USC Star Zachariah Branch Expected To Visit Major SEC School

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Dec 19, 2024 9:27 PM ET

USC Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch entered the NCAA transfer portal on Tuesday and has already become one of the hottest names available.

Ranked as the No. 4 player overall and among the top wide receivers in the portal by 247 Sports, Branch is expected to draw serious attention from programs across the country.

In two seasons with the Trojans, he totaled 78 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns. Branch was also the best kick returner in college football during the 2023 season, racking up 332 yards and a touchdown on 16 punt returns, along with 442 yards and another touchdown on 24 kickoff returns.

On Thursday, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and 247 Sports reported that Branch and his brother, Zion Branch, who also entered the transfer portal from USC, are expected to both visit the Georgia Bulldogs.

"The current belief is that Zachariah and Zion Branch are going to visit Georgia," Zenitz said. "Georgia continues to come up as a team to watch as a potential landing spot."

Zenitz also mentioned Arizona State as a potential "dark horse."

"Arizona State also continues to come up as possible darkhorse competition," Zenitz added.

"The decision to move on was a tough decision," Branch told ESPN. "I love USC! The hospitality and the love I received from everyone while being there was great. I just feel like embarking upon a new journey is what's best for my future."

Coming out of high school, Branch was a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 7 player in the nation (247 Sports). A Las Vegas native, he played his high school ball at Bishop Gorman, one of the top schools in the country.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound wideout will have two more seasons of eligibility remaining.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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