Louisville "in pursuit" of Bruce Branch III after 2026 reclassification
Bruce Branch III, the No. 1-ranked player in the 2027 class, announced Saturday his plan to reclassify to this spring’s 2026 class.
Attending Prolific Prep (Fla.) this academic year, the 6-foot-7, 185-pound small forward will graduate and enroll at his college of choice next fall. With the sudden jump, Branch enters Rivals’ 2026 industry rankings as the No. 5 overall prospect in the country and the No. 2 SF.
The dynamic wing turned 17 in October, which will make him a young college freshman, but it’s clear that Branch is ready for another level of competition. Branch told ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi that he wants “to take things one step at a time” and prioritize his senior season.
The recruitment of Branch has barely started. He’s yet to take any official visits, and currently holds offers from programs like Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Houston, USC, and Miami.
Originally from Gilbert, Arizona, schools like Arizona, ASU, and UCLA are also ones to keep an eye on.
According to ESPN’s report on his reclassification, Louisville is one of the programs “in pursuit” of 2026’s newest five-star. After all, he has been playing on the Adidas 3SSB circuit for the Compton Magic. This past summer, he averaged 15.9 points and 5.2 rebounds, while shooting 39 percent from 3-point range.
Branch immediately becomes one of the best shooters in the 2026 class. He is elite in movement and comfortable off both the catch and dribble. With a slight frame, he’ll need to improve his ability to attack the lane, but he also has time to grow into his height. Branch was a “top performer” at the USA Basketball October Minicamp, shining with a “do-it-all-game” according to On3’s Jamie Shaw.
Louisville currently has just one commit in the 2026 class, in former G-Leaguer London Johnson. However, the 6-foot-4 combo guard will get a head start and will join the Cardinals this January while redshirting. Johnson plans on playing for the Cards next winter.
Branch would be a massive addition to Louisville’s otherwise quiet 2026 recruiting class. Pat Kelsey was in pursuit of several top players, including No. 1 overall and Derby City native Tyran Stokes. Some think that come spring, Branch could duel Stokes as the best player in the country.
A decision from Branch shouldn’t come until later in the cycle and possibly even late spring. Expect him to schedule and take visits in the coming months, with Louisville and Adidas in the mix.
