BYU Secures Commitment from 5-Star Forward Bruce Branch III

Bassyonni

Published: March 3, 2026 6:05 PM ET

BYU Secures Commitment from 5-Star Forward Bruce Branch III

In a significant boost for BYU basketball, five-star forward Bruce Branch III has officially committed to the Cougars. He made the announcement during a live segment on ESPN’s “NBA Today” on March 3, 2026.

Bruce Branch III Chooses BYU

Branch, a prominent figure in the 2026 recruiting class, is rated as the No. 6 recruit in the nation by 247 Sports. His impressive composite score of 0.9974 makes him the second-highest-rated commit in the history of BYU basketball, trailing only AJ Dybantsa.

Competitive Offers

Amid interest from major programs, including USC, Arizona, and Kansas, Branch opted for BYU. He expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team, stating, “I can see myself leading this team to a championship. It just felt right.”

Player Profile

Height: 6-foot-7 (in shoes)
Wingspan: 7-foot-1
Position: Forward

Known for his length and skill, Branch possesses developing guard capabilities. According to analyst Adam Finkelstein of 247 Sports, his shooting is a notable strength that continues to improve. Although he is not yet a dynamic creator, his smooth ball-handling and ability to read the game provide a solid foundation.

Defensive Potential

Defensively, Branch’s size and fluidity hold significant promise. He effectively utilizes his physical attributes, making him a formidable opponent on the court. His advanced footwork allows him to take advantage of smaller defenders, offering versatility in both offensive and defensive plays.

Current Status

Originally from Gilbert, Arizona, Branch currently plays for Prolific Prep in California, where he is following in the footsteps of Dybantsa, who previously transferred to Utah Prep. With Branch’s commitment, he becomes the third high school player to join BYU in the current recruitment cycle, alongside Dean Rueckert and Will Openshaw from Timpview High in Provo.

As Coach Kevin Young continues to build a strong roster, Branch’s addition promises to enhance BYU’s competitiveness in collegiate basketball.