Branham opened his career with a pair of solid races in September, finishing 50th at the Furman Invitational and 16th at the Tryon Western NC XC Showcase. At the 6k Furman Invitational, he finished 12th among NCAA Division II competition with a time of 20:55. He then covered the 8k distance at the Tryon Western NC Showcase in 26:37 to finish third against NCAA Division II competition.