BYU Lands Elite 2026 Recruiting Class in Provo

PROVO, Utah — Brigham Young University men's basketball announced its 2026-27 recruiting class, ranked No. 36 overall and No. 43 in composite by 247Sports, featuring four high school and JUCO signees alongside returning players.[2][3] The class is led by five-star small forward **Bruce Branch III**, a 6-foot-7, 195-pound standout from Gilbert, Arizona, who prepped at California's Prolific Prep and signed his national letter of intent.[1][3][5] Branch, the third five-star from his program to draw NBA scout attention, joins in-state gem **Dean Rueckert**, a 6-foot-6, 180-pound small forward from Provo's Timpview High School, set to play in an All-American game.[1][3][5] The newcomers complement a core of 10-11 returners with eligibility, including guards **Rob Wright III**, who withdrew from the transfer portal, **Tyler Mrus**, **Brody Kozlowski**, **Aleksej Kostic**, **Khadim Mboup**, **Nate Pickens**, **Dominique Diomande**, **Dawson Baker**, **Kennard Davis Jr.**, **Xavion Staton** and **Abdullah Ahmed**.[1][3] Additional incoming talent includes JUCO signee **KJ Perry** and returned missionary **Brooks Bahr**, filling spots as BYU eyes 13-15 scholarship players with the transfer portal deadline looming Tuesday, April 21.[1][3] Coach Young praised Branch's addition, signaling high expectations for the Marriott Center squad.[1] This haul strengthens BYU's Utah recruiting footprint, with Rueckert embodying the Provo pipeline from Timpview, a Big 16 powerhouse.[5] Amid roster construction talks, the Cougars pursue targets like Austin Goosby and Anthony Falesi while fending off portal competition.[7] With 10 spots currently filled — or 11 counting Baker — Young's squad positions for Big 12 contention in 2026-27.[1]