BOTR Butterflyer Daniel Branon Pledges Verbal to Virginia For the Fall of 2027

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North Baltimore Aquatic Club’s Daniel Branon has verbally committed to the University of Virginia as a part of the Cavalier men’s 2027 recruiting class.

Branon was featured in the “Best of the Rest” section in SwimSwam’s way too early rankings of the boys’ high school class of 2027.

I am proud to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Virginia! I am so grateful for my family for helping me get to this point and guiding me throughout this process. A huge shoutout to @coachpaulyetter for his unwavering belief and helping me achieve my goals in the pool. Finally, I would like to thank Coach Todd and the entire UVA staff for giving me this opportunity. ⚔️ Go Hoos ⚔️

Branon wrapped up his summer at the Speedo Junior National Championships (LCM), where he swam a trio of lifetime bests. He clocked 2:05.67 in the 200 IM to finish 25th, went 1:54.15 in the 200 freestyle to place 60th, and his 400 free time of 4:03.86 earned him 69th. In addition to those lifetime bests, he also finished 12th in the 200 butterfly (2:01.38) and 52nd in both the 100 fly (55.72) and 400 IM (4:33.58).

Just over a month earlier, Branon competed at the USA Swimming National Championships (LCM), finishing 29th overall in the 200 fly in 2:01.37.

The month of February has treated Branon very nicely over the last two years. In 2024, he notched four best short course bests at the Maryland State Senior Championship, swimming best times in the 100 backstroke (50.00),  200 fly (1:46.72), 1000 free (9:14.70), and 1650 free (15:27.61).

A year later, Branon put forth one of his best meets of his career, swimming a slew of best times at the Maryland Senior Champs (SCY). These times included the 50 free (21.65), 100 fly (48.58), 200 free (1:40.35), 200 IM (1:49.22), 400 IM (3:52.80), and 500 free (4:28.42).

Best Times SCY:

• 100 Fly: 48.58
• 200 Fly: 1:46.72
• 200 Free: 1:40.35
• 500 Free: 4:28.42
• 1000 Free: 9:14.70
• 1650 Free: 15:27.61
• 200 IM: 1:49.22
• 400 IM: 3:52.80

The Virginia men finished 8th at the 2025 ACC Swimming and Diving Championships.

Based on Branon’s best times, he would have finished 20th in the 1650, 42nd in the 200 fly, and 44th in the 500 free.

Branon has the ability to be impactful in a multitude of ways. With his times right now, still nearly two years until his collegiate debut, he already is either inside scoring position or not too far off of it in one of the deepest conferences in the sport.

The butterfly upside pairs very well with his freestyle and IM ability. He can be flexible in what he swims, especially in a championship format.

While he is currently a “Best of the Rest” recruit, his times show that there could be a possibility he moves up to an honorable mention, or potentially a top 20 spot by next season.

Branon joins Luc Dionne, William Shoesmith, Juan Vallmitjana, and Joey Campagnola in the Cavalier’s men’s 2027 recruiting class.

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

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