Over the last month, recruiting has been booming for Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin. Since arriving in Blacksburg officially, the former Vanderbilt and Penn State head coach has hit the ground running in recruiting.
Franklin and his staff have added players on both sides of the ball. On Monday, the Hokies had some commitments they were waiting for, and the first one came early in the afternoon with interior offensive lineman Kaden Buchanan making his decision. This was a recruiting battle that got fierce.
The Lebanon, Tennessee native received over 20 scholarship offers and narrowed his list down to three: Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, and Kentucky. The last couple of months have been big between those three schools, and truth be told, if Franklin wasn't in Blacksburg, the Hokies likely wouldn't be in the mix this late. Matt Moore, along with Franklin, has made Buchanan a priority.
On Monday, the 6-foot-4, 330-pounder made his decision and he picked the Hokies over the Wildcats and Wolfpack.
🚨COMMITMENT🚨
— Matej Sis (@MatejS247) May 25, 2026
Virginia Tech #Hokies land Top247 4⭐️ OL Kaden Buchanan.
The 6-foot-4.5 inch, 330-pound Tenn. native picks VT over NCSU & Kentucky on The @CBSSportsCFB Show.
"I ultimately knew that Virginia Tech was where I wanted to be ever since I stepped on campus there”… pic.twitter.com/A7AKmWdgPo
Class of 2027 IOL Kaden Buchanan picks Virginia Tech
Buchanan is the 14th-ranked IOL according to 247Sports, the 237th overall prospect in the Class of 2027, and the 11th-ranked prospect in Tennessee. He plays at Friendship Christian. Over the last couple of weeks, insiders from the three schools all thought each team had the inside track leading into his announcement. National Scout Analyst Gabe Brooks had quite the write-up of Buchanan.
"Brawny offensive lineman with experience at tackle, guard, and center. Possesses a broad trunk and stout base. Also owns valuable defensive line experience. Boasts a unique multi-sport athletic profile that includes volleyball and baseball. Flashes power through the hands when pulling and climbing. Displays encouraging short-area redirection, particularly in pass pro situations. Improving body control and flexibility will enhance long-term trajectory. Projects to guard with the potential to provide valuable roster flexibility at multiple positions. P4-caliber prospect with physical tools and on-field and athletic profiles that suggest significant long-term developmental upside,'' wrote Brooks.
This is a huge win for Franklin over an ACC foe and an up-and-coming SEC school that is under new leadership. Buchanan is the 14th commit in the Class of 2027 for Franklin and Virginia Tech. A promising class is being built, and the Hokies' recruiting ranking will continue to head up with the latest commitment.
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