BYU men’s basketball announced on Apr. 15 the signing of Bruce Branch III, a McDonald’s All-American and five-star recruit, marking the second consecutive year the program has secured such a high-profile player.
The addition of Branch III is seen as significant for BYU, as he becomes only the second-ever five-star recruit to join the Cougars. He follows last season’s Big 12 Freshman and consensus First Team All-American AJ Dybantsa.
“We are so excited to welcome Bruce and his family to BYU,” head coach Kevin Young said. “Bruce is a high character young man. He plays the game the right way and knows how to win. His talent is undeniable on both ends off the floor and we can’t wait to help develop his game and help put him in position to be great.”
Branch III was previously ranked as the No. 2 prospect in 2027 before reclassifying into the 2026 class, where he now holds No. 6 in SC Next 100 rankings. He drew attention from several top college programs including Kentucky, Kansas, Louisville, USC, Arizona, Houston, and Miami before choosing BYU.
During his senior year at Prolific Prep in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Branch III averaged 18 points, ten rebounds, four assists and two blocks per game while earning Max Preps and Naismith Boys’ High School All-American Honorable Mention honors. Earlier in his career at Perry High School in Arizona he helped lead his team to back-to-back state championships.
Branch III also made notable appearances for Team East at the McDonald’s All-American Game with seven points and four rebounds as well as for Team USA at Nike Hoop Summit contributing during their overtime victory.
He joins fellow high school signees Dean Rueckert—Utah’s 5A Player of the Year—and Will Openshaw as part of BYU’s incoming class.
