Defensive tackle Tavian Branch decommits from Penn State

Penn State lost another commitment in its Class of 2026 on Wednesday in defensive tackle Tavian Branch. A native of Taylor, Pa., Branch camped with the previous Nittany Lion coaching staff three times in the summer of 2024 to eventually earn an offer. He was recruited as an offensive lineman at the time, but then developed into a defenisve line recruit following a very good junior season.

“The initial process definitely started on the offensive side of the ball,” said Riverside head coach Harry Armstrong. “A year or so ago, he was clearly stronger as an offensive player. I think that started to change when he started running a 4.9 [40-yard dash] and broad jumping over nine feet. He’s so explosive.

“When he took that leap forward athletically, that shines a lot more on the defensive side of the ball. You can showcase those talents more there, and that was eye-opening to college coaches. You didn’t see that kind of burst from him on his sophomore film. I know this spring he ran a 4.89 at the Under Armour camp, and he can still get faster.”

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Branch previously committed to Rutgers this past summer but opened his recruitment at the end of August. An official visit to Penn State the following week for the game against Florida International led to a quick second commitment.

Now, he’ll end up picking his third school very soon. This past weekend, Branch took an official visit to Ole Miss and it sounds as if he may take an official visit to Virginia Tech this upcoming weekend following the hiring of James Franklin. He also has an official visit scheduled to Auburn for the Iron Bowl, Nov. 29-30, despite the Tigers also being in the midst of a coaching change.

“His raw athleticism stands out immensely. He has incredible twitch and explosiveness for a 300-pounder. His footwork is fantastic. He can change direction with the best of them.

“But on top of the speed and athleticism, his hands and his power are extraordinary. It’s just a matter of time until he learns how to use that part of his game at a higher level. When he strikes, it’s powerful. He’s explosive with it. It’s hard for him to really utilize that when he’s being doubled and even triple-teamed at times in high school, but when he gets that opportunity, it’s awesome to watch.”

Branch was primarily recruited by Penn State defensive line coach Deion Barnes. He’s ranked No. 601 nationally, No. 65 at defensive tackle and 16th overall in Pennsylvania for his class.