Penn State has lost one of its Class of 2025 commitments to Deion Sanders and Colorado.
After visiting Colorado Saturday for the team’s win over Baylor, Antonio Branch Jr. early Monday morning afternoon that he’s flipping to “Coach Prime.”
BREAKING: Miami Northwestern four-star DB Antonio Branch Jr. has flipped his commitment from Penn State to Colorado. Story: https://t.co/OsL05yrG3i pic.twitter.com/35jK0ngNgH
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) September 23, 2024
Branch is a four-star safety from Northwestern High School in Miami, Florida.
He had been committed to Penn State since June and also had offers from schools such as Auburn, Florida, Nebraska, Florida State, Louisville, Miami, Michigan and UCF. 247Sports has Branch as the No. 38 safety in the country from the Class of 2025 and the No. 57 overall player in Florida.
Colorado offered Branch less than three weeks before committing. Branch’s mother, Trina, spoke with On3Sports about her son’s flip and cited the chance to start right away as a big draw.
“I would say it’s a good potential fit because he has an opportunity to start as a true freshman,” she said. “Who wouldn’t want to be coached by Deion Sanders. Someone that played the same position Antonio is playing.”
Trina also loves Boulder.
“Besides the football, the atmosphere, the mountains, oh my God, the view of that was gorgeous,” she said. “The people there were wonderful. Nice and loving. It felt like family.”
Trina also feels Colorado will be a team to watch.
“The DC he’s wonderful,” Trina said. “They’re someone to keep your eye on.”
Although losing Branch is a blow to Penn State, coach James Franklin and company don’t have much time to worry about it. Right now, the focus is on Illinois, who comes to Beaver Stadium Saturday night for a 7:30 kick.
