Five-star recruit Bruce Branch III commits to BYU

BYU reeled in a five-star recruit for the third straight cycle when Bruce Branch III committed to the Cougars on Tuesday.

Branch chose BYU over Southern California.

The 6-foot-7 forward is ranked as the eighth overall prospect by the 247Sports composite. He is forecasted as a top-10 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.

The Cougars landed Egor Demin in the 2024 cycle and AJ Dybantsa in 2025. Demin played one season for BYU and was chosen eighth overall by the Brooklyn Nets. Dybantsa currently leads the nation in scoring with 24.9 points per game and is expected to be either the first or second overall pick in the 2026 draft.

Branch made his decision on ESPN's "NBA Today" show.

"I wanted to go to a place that felt like a family, had great academics and was really focused on basketball," Branch said. "I can see myself leading this team to a championship. It just felt right."

BYU coach Kevin Young has earned high marks for player relationships during his two seasons at the school. He sold Branch on a plan to further his development.

"He has a concrete plan in place that makes sense to me and is very clearly defined," Branch said. "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 (and) 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."