Reclassifying from one class to another has become almost routine in today’s college basketball world. Just recently, the No. 1 player in ESPN’s 2027 class, Babatunde Oladotun, moved up to 2026 and committed to Maryland. AJ Dybantsa did something similar, originally in the 2025 cycle, he jumped to 2026 before reclassifying back to 2025 and signing with BYU. And now another top young star from the 2027 class is taking the same path into college hoops a year early: Bruce Branch III.

Who Is Bruce Branch III?

The 6-foot-7, five-star small forward is currently the No. 1 prospect in the 2027 class according to Yahoo Sports, and he himself explained why he chose to reclassify.

“I believe in my ability. I am confident that I can do this,” Branch told ESPN. “I have been playing up my whole life.

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