Johari Branch is a native of Chicago, Illinois where he starred at Phillips High School on both the offensive and defensive lines. Following his prep career, Branch went on to play for nearby Eastern Illinois University where he started six games as a true freshman during the 2017 season.
After just one year, however, Branch decided to go the junior college route by transferring to Independence Community College for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. After winning the 2019 Jayhawk Championship, Branch would sign with Maryland as the No. 2 rated JUCO offensive guard in the country.
His first season with the Terps was unfortunately the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.