He scored two touchdowns, including a 75-yard punt return against Kalamazoo Central High School as a senior.

[2] He tore cartilage in his left knee against Saginaw Arthur Hill during his senior year in high school, an injury that would affect Branoff throughout his football career.

[5] The Associated Press noted, "Tony Branoff, Michigan's burly second semester freshman from Flint, Mich., came alive after the intermission and scored the touch down, that gave momentum to the Wolverines and a 14–6 lead.

"[6] In early November, he added a defensive touchdown as he recovered a fumble in the end zone against Illinois.

[12] In the second game of the season, Branoff ran for two rushing touchdowns and kicked two extra points to lead Michigan to a 26–7 victory over Tulane.

[13] At the end of October 1953, Branoff proved his value as a triple threat man as he "unreeled a spectacular 66-yard pass play" to Bob Topp.

"[20] Branoff attempted to come back from the injury in Michigan's homecoming game against Minnesota, gaining 38 yards on 6 carries and scoring his only touchdown of the 1954 season.

[3] As a senior in 1955, Branoff returned to the lineup, starting all 9 games for the Wolverines at the right halfback position.

"[3] At the end of October 1953, Branoff helped lead the Wolverines to a come-from-behind win against Iowa.

Iowa led 21-13 in the fourth quarter, but Michigan scored three touchdowns in the final nine minutes of the game.

[25] Branoff scored the final touchdown on a play described by the Chicago Daily Tribune as follows: "Tony Branoff, whose knees are wrapped like an Egyptian's mummy's, rounded out a fine performance with a 31 yard touchdown run that was only so much frosting on this triumph.

After the 1955 season, Branoff was selected by the United Press as a first-team All-Big Ten halfback.

[3] In June 1956, Branoff was married to Marilyn Jane Frankensteen, daughter of former United Auto Workers leader Richard T.