Rutgers has landed one of the most eye-catching prospects in the 2027 class.
Brandon Woodard, ranked No. 95 overall by 247Sports, has committed to the Scarlet Knights, he told 247Sports. The Bishop McNamara power forward picked Rutgers over Providence, Mississippi State and Virginia Tech.
Woodard brings a rare blend of size, burst and versatility to the table. He’s the kind of player who can swing momentum in a hurry, thanks to elite athleticism and a game that already shows impact on both ends of the floor.
247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein described Woodard as an explosive leaper who is quick off the ground and dangerous above the rim. He noted that Woodard can play at the top of the box, finish through contact and is at his most dangerous in transition. In Finkelstein’s words, “He's one of the best dunkers in high school basketball and produces the type of highlights that can immediately change the momentum of a game.”
The physical tools jump off the page. Woodard is long, mobile and naturally strong, with a sturdy frame that could keep filling out in a college weight room and a wingspan that measures better than 7 feet.
He moves well, covers ground with fluid strides and already flashes defensive upside. Finkelstein pointed to his anticipation in passing lanes, where he averaged 1.1 steals per game in EYBL play, while also noting that his technique, positioning and defensive rebounding still need work.
Offensively, Woodard does his best damage near the rim. His athleticism and left hand make him effective there, but the rest of the package is still coming along.
His shooting remains a work in progress, with a release point on the left side of his head and numbers that reflect that - 64% from the free-throw line and 21% from 3-point range. He can put the ball on the floor a couple of times, but he is not yet a dependable handler, finishing with 1.6 assists against 1.8 turnovers.
Finkelstein also pointed to another key part of Woodard’s development: keeping his emotions in check. For all the upside packed into his frame and athleticism, his path to reaching it includes more polish, more consistency and more control.
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