Bruce Branch III is already a household name in high school basketball circles, and he hasn't even played a college game yet. Widely regarded as one of the top players in the Class of 2027, Branch shook up the recruiting landscape a little over two months ago when he announced he was reclassifying to the Class of 2026. That move didn’t knock down his stock one bit - in fact, it only intensified the buzz surrounding his recruitment.
Now, the 6-foot-7, 190-pound wing out of Prolific Prep is on the move again - this time, making a high-profile visit to BYU. Multiple outlets confirmed that Branch is in Provo this week, and the timing couldn’t be more strategic. The Cougars are set to host No. 1-ranked Arizona on Monday night at the Marriott Center, a matchup that promises a big-stage atmosphere and a charged-up crowd.
It’s not just a marquee game - it’s a reunion of sorts. Arizona’s roster includes Koa Peat, a former five-star teammate of Branch’s from their days at Perry High School in Arizona. That adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already electric night, especially for a young prospect evaluating his next step.
Branch, who originally hails from Arizona but now plays at Prolific Prep (formerly based in California, now operating out of Florida), brings a rare blend of size, skill, and versatility. At 6-foot-7, he’s the kind of wing who can create his own shot, defend multiple positions, and impact the game on both ends - the kind of player who doesn't just join a program, but elevates it.
BYU, under head coach Kevin Young, has been building something serious on the recruiting trail. The Cougars have already landed international standout Egor Demin and elite 2025 prospect AJ Dybantsa in back-to-back cycles. Adding Branch to that mix would mark another major win for a program that’s clearly aiming to hang with the heavyweights.
It’s still early in Branch’s recruitment, and no decision is imminent, but his visit to BYU - especially during a high-stakes matchup like this - speaks volumes. It’s a chance for him to see how the Cougars compete on a national stage, and for BYU to show what kind of environment and culture they’ve built in Provo.
For a player of Branch’s caliber, every visit matters. And for BYU, this one could be a big step toward another recruiting coup.