.jpg "Tavian Branch Commits to Auburn — Tigers Land Northeast Pennsylvania Powerhouse")
Tavian Branch Commits to Auburn — Tigers Land Northeast Pennsylvania Powerhouse
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | December 3, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Taylor, Pa. — The wait is over. Riverside senior defensive lineman Tavian Branch has made his college decision official:
Branch is committed to Auburn
Auburn’s coaching staff and recruiting push ultimately sealed the deal, ending one of Pennsylvania’s most-watched 2026 recruiting stories.
Branch’s journey has been full of major turns:
- He initially committed to Rutgers Scarlet Knights back in June.
- In late August, he reopened his recruitment.
- He drew significant interest from Penn State Nittany Lions, including a commitment.
As coaching changes shook up some contenders and interest swelled from SEC and Power-5 programs, Auburn stayed steady.
What tipped the scale? The combination of Auburn’s consistency, a recruiting vision aligned with Branch’s growth and a defensive coaching staff that convinced him he’d be a big part of the plan.
At 6-4 and around 300 pounds, Branch has earned a reputation as a force in the trenches, making him a high-impact addition to Auburn’s defensive line roster.
With his college future now locked in, Branch can shift his focus back to finishing his senior season strong and preparing for the big stage ahead in the SEC.
Riverside ➜ Auburn. — War Eagle.
