LOS ANGELES — USC receiver/returner Zachariah Branch and his older brother Zion, a security, intend to enter the switch portal, a supply briefed on the choice confirmed Tuesday afternoon.
Zachariah Branch, a former five-star prospect, will turn out to be probably the most sought-after gamers within the switch portal. He was a Freshman All-American in 2023 when he emerged as probably the most dynamic younger gamers within the nation, scoring a landing as a receiver, rusher, kick returner and punt returner. He completed his first season with 31 receptions for 320 yards and 5 complete touchdowns.
Expectations had been extraordinarily excessive for Branch’s sophomore season. His receiving totals elevated to 47 receptions and 503 yards, but it surely was an underwhelming efficiency from the Las Vegas native. He didn’t show the identical burst or explosiveness as he did as a freshman, and he didn’t progress a lot as a receiver. Branch is thought for his pace however had bother persistently separating from defensive backs.
USC didn’t put him in a terrific place to succeed both, typically forcing him to make contested catches on downfield throws. Those weren’t productive targets or one of the simplest ways to fabricate touches for the speedy playmaker.
Branch additionally must regain his confidence as a returner. He returned 16 punts for 332 yards and one landing in 2023 however totaled 74 yards on 13 punt returns this season and customarily seemed uncertain whether or not he ought to return the punt or name for a good catch. He was additionally faraway from kickoff return duties halfway by means of the season.
USC has now misplaced three receivers to the portal this offseason — Branch, Duce Robinson and Kyron Hudson, who lately dedicated to Penn State.
Branch’s departure additionally continues one other troubling pattern for Lincoln Riley. USC has signed six five-star prospects throughout his tenure. Two are within the 2025 recruiting cycle — quarterback Husan Longstreet and defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart. The different 4 have already transferred or are within the portal — nook Domani Jackson (transferred to Alabama), Branch (switch portal), Robinson (switch portal) and Malachi Nelson (transferred to Boise State and entered the switch portal once more).
Zion Branch was a top-100 prospect within the 2022 recruiting cycle and was one of many first important commitments for Riley at USC.
A knee harm pressured Zion to overlook all of his true freshman season and he was hampered by accidents throughout his second season as effectively.
He was principally wholesome in 2024 however sat behind extra skilled safeties, Kamari Ramsey and Akili Arnold. He would have been in place to battle for a beginning spot in 2025.
Now Zion and Zachariah Branch will probably be in search of a brand new residence. They each have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
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(Photo of Zachariah Branch: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
