Washington lands first 2027 commit in talented in-state WR Braylon Pope

Washington kicked off their 2027 recruiting class with a bang landing one of the region’s top receiver prospects in Sumner (Wash.) standout Braylon Pope.

Pope is a four-star prospect and rated the No. 310 player nationally in the Rivals Industry Ranking. He’s even higher by Rivals.com, checking in at No. 110 overall and the No. 1 player in the state. 

Pope visited the Huskies multiple times over the last year including several game day visits. Washington was always going to be hard to beat and they were able to seal the deal early in the process. 

“I’m very excited about my decision,” Pope said. “Staying close to home was big for me. I have a strong connection with the coaches as well and I’ve been around them a lot.

“When you’re around a school that often, it helps you to see how they run the program. I’m very comfortable there and excited about what they’re building.”

Husky WR coach Kevin Cummings is the lead recruiter with Pope.

“Coach Cummings is great,” Pope said. “He’s the one who first offered me and he’s a great guy and a great coach. We talk a lot and I’ve built a good connection with him.

“Timing wise, it just felt right. I know Washington is the place where I want to be so there really wasn’t any reason to put it off.”

And just having that connection with the coaches was huge being able to see them often makes it easy to see how they run the program

Pope has been very productive the last two seasons. He’s coming off a strong junior year where he caught 52 passes for 869 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

He has a long, athletic 6-3 frame, runs well and projects as both a possession receiver because of his size with the speed to get vertical as well. 

He’s a smooth strider who has improved his ability to run after the catch and is playing with more physicality at the catch point. When you look at his size and natural athleticism as well as his hands and play making skill, there’s a lot to like here. 

He had a solid year on the track last spring with personal best times of 11.12-100-meters, 22.17-200m and 51.44-400m.