5-Star SF Bruce Branch III Reveals CBB Commitment Between BYU, USC

Top small forward prospect Bruce Branch III committed to BYU on Tuesday, per ESPN's Jeff Borzello.

"I can see myself leading this team to a championship," Branch told ESPN's Paul Biancardi (h/t Borzello). "It just felt right."

Branch is a 5-star prospect listed as the No. 8 player in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. He visited BYU and USC before ultimately choosing the Cougars.

Branch also received offers from other schools including Arizona, Houston, Kansas, LSU, Tennessee, UCLA and Virginia.

He was initially a member of the 2027 recruiting class before reclassifying to the 2026 group in Nov. 2025.

Branch explained that BYU head coach Kevin Young's plan for his development swayed his final decision.

"He has a concrete plan in place that makes sense to me and is very clearly defined," Branch said, via Borzello and Biancardi. "I will be held accountable and develop every day. That's the position I want to be in.

"I think my ability to create for others, shoot the three off the dribble, off pick-and-rolls, or in catch-and-shoot situations reminds coach Young of players he has had in the past who have been successful. He speaks about Devin Booker, AJ, and Egor Demin. Paired with my defensive attributes, that's what coach Young wants in a player."

Branch is listed at 6'7" and 190 pounds, operating with the ball in his hands while also spacing the floor on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. He averaged 15.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per game for the Compton Magic program (h/t NBA.com's Krysten Peek).

BYU has continued to land top recruits under Young, adding Egor Demin ahead of the 2024-25 season before securing a commitment from AJ Dybantsa prior to its 2025-26 campaign.

Now, Branch will look to follow in their footsteps.