Branden is a senior linebacker from Tonganoxie. He was an honorable mention All-State linebacker in 2019, first team All-State linebacker in 2020 and 2021. In 2018, he was an honorable mention All-League linebacker, was a first team All-League linebacker in 2019 and first team All-League linebacker in 2020. Branden led the state in tackles his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He was a three-time League Champion in wrestling, a one-time regional champion and a four-time wrestling state qualifier. He placed third at the state wrestling tournament in 2020 with a 40-1 record. He was a 2020 Bobby Bell Award winner. Branden was also a member of NHS and was a Kansas Scholar.