Bruce Branch III, a BYU basketball commitment, featured in the 2026 McDonald’s All-American Game.
It was the second year in a row that BYU had a recruit compete in the country’s most prestigious All-American game for high school basketball players.
Last season, AJ Dybantsa took part in the game, which dates back to 1977.
Branch, a Gilbert, Arizona native, had returned to his home state. The 2026 McDonald’s All-American Game was staged in Glendale, Arizona.
McDonald’s All-American Game 2026: Team West 102, Team East 86
Branch, the youngest player on the floor in the 2026 class at the age of 17, was a starter for Team East. He finished his high school career at Prolific Prep in Florida.
The rest of Team East’s starting five were Deron Rippey Jr. (Duke), Jordan Smith Jr. (Arkansas), Toni Bryant (Missouri), and Darius Ratliff (USC). Team West was led by Tyran Stokes, the nation’s No. 1 prospect. Branch was handed defensive responsibility against Stokes for portions of the game.
However, Stokes and Team West won the game.
Team West beat Team East 102-86.
Final statistics for Bruce Branch III in the McDonald’s All-American Game.
Branch concluded the game with 19 minutes, seven points, four rebounds, two blocks, and one assist.
Caleb Holt, Branch’s prolific Prep teammate and an Arizona Wildcats recruit, shared Co-MVP honors in the game with Missouri recruit Jason Crowe Jr.
Bruce Branch III is set to play for BYU.
During the ESPN presentation on Tuesday night, experts Cory Alexander and Paul Biancardi mentioned that Branch intends to study engineering at BYU.
Earlier this week at the McDonald’s All-American Game media day, Branch said he spoke with BYU standout AJ Dybantsa about his devotion to the Cougars.
“I’ve talked to AJ (Dybantsa) about my dedication to BYU. Honestly, I’m very grateful for them. Basically, everyone in the BYU community. They are really encouraging, respectful, nice, and, to be honest, they have me more thrilled about staying here. “
Bruce Branch III is ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect in the class of 2026 by the 247Sports Composite rankings. 247Sports ranks him as the No. 6 overall prospect.
Branch had previously been in the class of 2027, with many seeing him as a possible No. 1 recruit until he reclassified into the 2026 cycle.
