Overview
- Rivals’ Joe Tipton confirmed the move to the 2026 cycle, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
- Branch had been ranked No. 1 in the 2027 Rivals150 entering this latest development.
- The 6-foot-7 five-star at Prolific Prep is described by Rivals’ Jamie Shaw as a do-it-all talent still putting the pieces together.
- ESPN reported he has not taken official visits, with programs such as Kentucky, Kansas, Louisville, USC, BYU, Arizona, Houston and Miami pursuing, with a spring decision expected.
- Rivals says the 2027 class remains early and wide open at the top, a picture that shifts with Branch’s reclassification as he begins his final high school season.