Rutgers beats Oklahoma and Penn State for DL Tavian Branch

Taylor (Pa.) Riverside defensive lineman Tavian Branch is fresh off an official visit to Oklahoma, a school he has been high on since his first visit to Norman in the spring, but it’s Rutgers who got his commitment.

Rutgers offered early in the recruiting process and he has visited the Scarlet Knights around half a dozen times. He was last there a week and a half ago for his official visit. That visit was key.

“After that official visit is really when I started to feel it was Rutgers,” Branch told On3. “I wanted to visit Oklahoma to make sure, and I loved it there, but Rutgers was a little different.

“The biggest thing about Rutgers is their consistency. They stayed consistent with me from the beginning. Rutgers made me feel wanted.”

The decision was made this week.

“I called Rutgers two days ago. They were so excited about the news. It is a family-based program and they have multiple defensive line coaches.

“Rutgers is a program on the rise, they have great coaches and it is a place I will have a chance to lay early at. I think it is a great fit for me.”

Branch is excited to play for Greg Schiano at Rutgers

Playing for Greg Shiano excites the 6-foot-3 1/2, 300-pound three-star.

“Coach Schiano has put a lot into a program,” Branch said. “This 2026 recruiting class is going to be strong. He is building up the program and he will get big-time guys in this class. I think this class will shock some people.”

Coach Schiano made me feel wanted. He is a good person, he is for the players and he cares for his guys. How he made me feel on my official visit was big.”

Penn State was on Branch’s list too. He was set to visit Happy Valley this weekend, but that visit will not take place.

“My recruitment is shut down. Rutgers is where I want to be.”