UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Defensive lineman Tavian Branch, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound prospect from Riverside High School in Taylor, Penn., has maintained his commitment to the Penn State Nittany Lions while locking in three official visits.
Two of those visits are in the Big Ten and one in the SEC and the one we’re following is the one with the Ole Miss Rebels.
According to recruiting services, Branch has set these official visits in November. The move signals that even though he remains verbally pledged to Penn State, he is keeping his options open across major conferences.
Branch’s athleticism and versatility have made him one of the top defensive line targets in the 2026 class. His combination of power and first-step quickness has drawn attention from programs nationwide, including those outside his native Pennsylvania.
247Sports reported Tuesday that Branch’s visit itinerary includes two Big Ten schools and one SEC program.
While details of all three schools have not been made public, Ole Miss is among the confirmed destinations.
Recruiting outlets indicate the Rebels’ pursuit is part of a broader defensive recruiting push under head coach Lane Kiffin, who has emphasized building depth along the line with players capable of both rushing the passer and stopping the run.
Branch remains committed to Penn State despite the interest from multiple schools.
“The environment at Penn State is amazing,” he said earlier this year after announcing his decision. “They were one of the first to offer, and I just love Coach Franklin, Coach Trautwein and Coach Barnes.”
Since the first coach he named there, James Franklin, was fired over a week ago, it’s not unusual for recruits to re-open things. Lane Kiffin would like to get into that mix.
His production last season at Riverside — 65 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 10½ sacks — made him one of Pennsylvania’s most disruptive defenders. That performance placed him on the radar of national programs like Oklahoma, Alabama, Auburn and Notre Dame.
Analysts at 247Sports and On3 project him as a Power Four-level lineman capable of playing multiple interior and edge roles.
For Ole Miss, the addition of Branch’s visit is significant. The Rebels have consistently targeted players from northern recruiting grounds in recent years, particularly on defense, where they’ve added transfers and high school talent from outside traditional SEC territories.
His decision to tour Oxford could serve as a measuring stick for Ole Miss’ ability to attract national prospects despite strong regional ties to Big Ten programs.
Branch originally committed to Rutgers in June before reopening his recruitment later in the summer. He then pledged to Penn State on Sept. 6, describing it as “where I wanted to be.”
“Don’t they say, ‘The best in PA stay in PA?’” Branch said on social media when he made the decision. The phrase has become a rallying point for Penn State’s efforts to keep homegrown defensive linemen in state.
Branch’s recruitment has drawn heavy regional attention because of his proximity to several Big Ten programs and the intensity of competition for defensive linemen in the 2026 cycle.
Rivals and On3 both list him as one of the top-10 players in Pennsylvania for his class. His measurables — a verified 6-foot-3 frame and 300 pounds with good footwork — make him a fit in nearly any defensive scheme.
Even with his commitment, Penn State’s staff continues to engage him frequently, ensuring he remains a priority as other schools push for visits.
The inclusion of Ole Miss as a scheduled visit stands out for an SEC program aiming to expand its recruiting reach. Ole Miss coaches have pursued defensive linemen across the Midwest and Northeast in recent cycles, a strategy that has yielded transfers and under-the-radar additions.
While Branch has yet to comment publicly on the Rebels, the official visit ensures he will have direct exposure to Oxford’s facilities and defensive scheme
The timing of his trip — during the fall recruiting window — gives Ole Miss a chance to show its recent on-field improvements and player development under defensive coordinator Pete Golding.
Branch’s decision to include the Rebels signals both interest in the SEC and recognition of Ole Miss’ ability to compete nationally for top prospects. The Rebels’ focus on athletic linemen fits Branch’s profile as a run-stopper with lateral burst.
For Penn State, Branch’s continued visits are not necessarily a cause for concern. Many committed prospects explore official visits as part of the recruiting process, often reaffirming their choices afterward.
Nittany Lions recruiting analyst Hudson Standish called Branch “a high-floor interior defender who could develop into a multi-year starter.” His blend of agility and gap discipline fits Penn State’s defensive system, which emphasizes interior pressure and strong pursuit.
The visits to other schools underscore the fluid nature of modern recruiting, where commitments remain verbal until National Signing Day.
Branch’s official visits are expected to unfold in November. The sequence — Penn State already holding his commitment, followed by two Big Ten schools and Ole Miss — suggests the process is more about affirmation than uncertainty.
Recruiting analysts will monitor his comments and social-media activity in the coming weeks to see whether any momentum shifts occur. For now, Branch has publicly maintained his commitment to Penn State while keeping an open mind about opportunities elsewhere.
His path reflects a modern recruiting landscape where elite prospects seek reassurance through comparison, not disloyalty.
Now Ole Miss has earned a seat at that table. They just have to close the deal.
