LOS ANGELES — USC receiver/returner Zachariah Branch and his older brother Zion, a safety, intend to enter the transfer portal, a source briefed on the decision confirmed Tuesday afternoon.
Zachariah Branch, a former five-star prospect, will become one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. He was a Freshman All-American in 2023 when he emerged as one of the most dynamic young players in the country, scoring a touchdown as a receiver, rusher, kick returner and punt returner. He finished his first season with 31 receptions for 320 yards and five total touchdowns.
Expectations were extremely high for Branch’s sophomore season. His receiving totals increased to 47 receptions and 503 yards, but it was an underwhelming performance from the Las Vegas native. He didn’t display the same burst or explosiveness as he did as a freshman, and he didn’t progress much as a receiver. Branch is known for his speed but had trouble consistently separating from defensive backs.
USC didn’t put him in a great position to succeed either, often forcing him to make contested catches on downfield throws. Those weren’t productive targets or the best way to manufacture touches for the speedy playmaker.
Branch also needs to regain his confidence as a returner. He returned 16 punts for 332 yards and one touchdown in 2023 but totaled 74 yards on 13 punt returns this season and generally looked unsure whether he should return the punt or call for a fair catch. He was also removed from kickoff return duties midway through the season.
USC has now lost three receivers to the portal this offseason — Branch, Duce Robinson and Kyron Hudson, who recently committed to Penn State.
Branch’s departure also continues another troubling trend for Lincoln Riley. USC has signed six five-star prospects during his tenure. Two are in the 2025 recruiting cycle — quarterback Husan Longstreet and defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart. The other four have already transferred or are in the portal — corner Domani Jackson (transferred to Alabama), Branch (transfer portal), Robinson (transfer portal) and Malachi Nelson (transferred to Boise State and entered the transfer portal again).
Zion Branch was a top-100 prospect in the 2022 recruiting cycle and was one of the first significant commitments for Riley at USC.
A knee injury forced Zion to miss all of his true freshman season and he was hampered by injuries during his second season as well.
He was mostly healthy in 2024 but sat behind more experienced safeties, Kamari Ramsey and Akili Arnold. He would have been in position to battle for a starting spot in 2025.
Now Zion and Zachariah Branch will be looking for a new home. They both have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
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(Photo of Zachariah Branch: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
