Rufus Cromwell Branch (July 21, 1890 – February 27, 1969) was an American planter and businessman.^[1] He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers football team of the University of Tennessee as a quarterback. He was also a pitcher on the baseball team.^[2] He was credited with bringing John Barnhill to the University of Arkansas.^[1][3]

In 1910, Branch threw a 35-yard pass to W. C. Johnson in the loss to Georgia.^[4] He was captain of the 1911 team.

Branch was also a World War I pilot.^[1]

Branch died at his home in Joiner, Arkansas known as the Black Cat Plantation.^[1]