The upcoming College World Series will feature an unprecedented matchup as brothers Kyle Branch, a second baseman for Oklahoma, and Kolby Branch, a shortstop for Georgia, square off against each other. The contest marks the first time the siblings have faced each other on the sport’s premier stage.
A family divided by competition
Both athletes grew up in Lucas, Texas, the youngest of four children born to Rusty and Kari Branch. Their parents have been constant supporters, designing split jerseys and traveling across the country to watch their sons compete.
Kyle, 21, enters his second season with the Sooners after starting 109 games and posting a .225 batting average, three home runs and 21 RBIs. He earned a spot on the All‑SEC Freshman Team in 2025. Kolby, 23, the oldest of the quartet, has amassed 243 starts over three seasons at Baylor and Georgia, batting .286 this year with 19 home runs and 58 RBIs.
The brothers’ younger siblings, Carson and Colby, are still in high school. Carson recently led Lovejoy High School to a state championship and was named tournament MVP, while Colby continues to develop his game.
Rusty and Kari Branch have made the pilgrimage to watch each son’s team advance, flying to Lawrence, Kansas to see Kyle help Oklahoma win Game 1, and then to Athens, Georgia to follow Kolby’s Bulldogs into the next round. Their presence underscores the family’s deep involvement in a rivalry that now threatens to divide their loyalties.