4-Star EDGE Recruit Joseph Buchanan Keeps Options Open

NC State surges into top schools after late offer, as Buchanan delays commitment decision

Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Baltimore (Md.) McDonough School four-star EDGE recruit Joseph Buchanan, the No. 159 overall prospect in the 2027 class, has decided to keep his recruitment open going into the spring after initially planning to commit this past weekend. Buchanan was already highly sought after by top programs like Indiana, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, but by delaying his decision, it allowed other schools like NC State to enter the mix and surge into his top schools after making a recent offer.

Why it matters

Buchanan is a highly-touted 4-star EDGE recruit, and his decision to keep his options open has allowed additional programs like NC State to get involved late in his recruitment. This is an important development as top programs compete to land elite prospects in the 2027 class.

The details

Buchanan, who was originally planning to commit this past weekend, has decided to hold off on a decision and keep his recruitment open heading into the spring. This has allowed NC State to enter the mix and surge into his top schools after making a recent scholarship offer, joining other top programs like Indiana, Notre Dame, and Ohio State that were already heavily pursuing the 4-star EDGE prospect.

  • Buchanan was originally planning to commit this past weekend.
  • Buchanan has now decided to keep his recruitment open going into the spring.

The players

Joseph Buchanan

A 4-star EDGE recruit from Baltimore (Md.) McDonough School, ranked the No. 159 overall prospect in the 2027 class.

NC State

A college football program that has recently offered Buchanan and surged into his top schools after he decided to delay his commitment decision.

Indiana

A college football program that was already heavily pursuing Buchanan prior to his decision to keep his recruitment open.

Notre Dame

A college football program that was already heavily pursuing Buchanan prior to his decision to keep his recruitment open.

Ohio State

A college football program that was already heavily pursuing Buchanan prior to his decision to keep his recruitment open.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Buchanan's decision to delay his commitment has opened the door for additional programs like NC State to get involved in his recruitment, highlighting the competitive nature of landing top prospects in the 2027 class.