The impact of Matt Luke joining Clemson’s staff to lead on the offensive line is already reaping its rewards, and the Tigers’ addition to the staff is red-hot on the recruiting trail alongside head coach Dabo Swinney.

Both visited 2025 four-star offensive lineman Max Buchanan at Seminole High School (Fla.). Buchanan’s Clemson recruitment is a a growing one, receiving an offer last summer before visiting for the win over Notre Dame.

Following this latest visit, Buchanan detailed Swinney’s message. He told The Clemson Insider that this staff has him as one of their top offensive linemen. That has an extra impact on him because he takes other offers “with a grain of salt” if they’re sending out so many offers. Meanwhile, Clemson is much more exclusive with their offers and the fit is key.

Speaking directly with Dabo Swinney, Buchanan says it’s different because it initially “went over his head” that it’s the two-time national champion he’s speaking to.

“Dabo Swinney is a legend. He is a too winningest head coach. He has so many NFL draft picks, first round all throughout the rounds. He is an amazing historical coach, from the time that he’s been at Clemson, and it shows the way he talks in the way he holds himself to a standard,” Buchanan said. “He doesn’t talk like he’s above everyone. He talks with you as if he’s with you there or he pulls you up to his level, and it shows that he is a great person and he very much cares about the people that he recruits and the people that he like involves himself with.”

Regarding the influence of Luke, it was a name that Buchanan heard great things about before even building a connection with him, and it spoke volumes for his recruitment. Bobby Harris, who played in high school with Buchanan’s father and was coached by Luke at Ole Miss, spoke highly of Luke.

It didn’t end there, as Purdue offered Buchanan and their offensive line coach played under Luke. Even though that program wants Buchanan, it didn’t stop him from praising Luke. That “stuck with” Buchanan, knowing that Luke’s reputation is strong around the football world.

While Buchanan can’t make the trip to junior day due to family matters, he said that his official visit is planned for the final weekend in May, opening into June.

That’s always the weekend to circle for the Tigers’ recruiting schedule, and Buchanan is already locked in for that crucial time. Clemson’s high standing in his recruiting plays a heavy part in that. It seems like all that’s left is to stick the landing.

“They’re so high up on it. I’m gonna be honest. Everything that I’ve heard from them, it’s been nothing but great,” Buchanan said. “I’ve talked to other college coaches about Clemson and about Dabo, and they have nothing but great things to say about them. It definitely shows that he’s a great guy, not only just in the media presence, but around anyone, and it helps with my decision because they’re very high up on it.”