2027 4-star DL Joseph Buchanan names top 10 schools

One of the top junior defensive lineman prospects in the nation is Baltimore McDonogh four-star Joseph Buchanan. He’s acquired myriad big-time offers, and ahead of his 2025 season, he’s named a top 10.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder took to X on Monday evening and released his top programs entering the fall; Duke, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Rutgers, Tennessee, USC, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin made the cut.

Buchanan’s recruitment soared to another level back in the winter. He added tons of offers early in the year and has taken this summer to get a better feel for who some of his top contenders could be as he enters the next phase of his process.

Earlier this month, the blue-chipper updated his recruitment with Rivals Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons. While there’s still plenty of time for things to change, Buchanan is currently eyeing a decision toward the end of next spring.

“I’m looking at the scheme, how they develop defensive linemen, academics, and being around guys with discipline,” Buchanan told Simmons about what he’s looking for in a school. “That matters just as much as what happens on the field.”

Buchanan is currently the No. 182 overall prospect and No. 20 DL in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 5 player in Maryland.

Coming off a 10-win campaign last fall, McDonogh will be one of the top programs in Maryland once again this season. Buchanan is one of four ranked prospects on the Eagles’ roster.

Buchanan talks some of his top schools

When speaking with Simmons earlier this month, Buchanan did tab one of his top 10 schools as the current frontrunner. He also dished on what has some of his current contenders in the mix moving forward.

Duke: “They came in May. Top-tier academics, and their D-line coache (Gabe Infante) came down to see me. Definitely a school I’m watching.”

Indiana: “One of my close friends Byron Baldwin is there. He’s been telling me a lot about the program. It’s a great situation—whoever plays the best gets on the field. They’re on the come-up.”

Michigan: “Another elite academic school. They just had Mason Graham go in the first round to the Browns. They’re right behind Georgia in developing technical D-linemen. I’ve been talking to Coach Sherrone Moore and Coach Espo (Lou Esposito).”

North Carolina: “I’m going to UNC next, probably after USC. Bill Belichick being there is huge—he’s a legendary coach who’s done amazing things with defenses and versatile D-linemen like myself.”