Rutgers beats out SEC program for local recruit who plays key position
By: Brian Fonseca | Published: 2025-06-11 14:03:00 | Source: www.nj.com
Rutgers has beat out an SEC program for a major recruiting target at a key position.
Tavian Branch, a three-star defensive lineman from Pennsylvania, committed to the Scarlet Knights on Tuesday at a ceremony at his high school.
The 6-foot-3, 285-pound prospect chose Rutgers over his other finalist Oklahoma, where he took an official visit last weekend. Branch was also set to visit Penn State this weekend — a trip that has been cancelled — and sported offers from other high-level programs like Notre Dame and Alabama.
Branch was recruited by defensive ends coach Julian Campenni, who grew up 10 miles away from Branch’s hometown in neighboring West Pittston, and head coach Greg Schiano.
Branch is the 23rd commit of the Scarlet Knights’ 2026 recruiting class, which now ranks ninth…
