USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal via his official social media pages. The former five-star recruit and top wideout from the 2023 recruiting cycle plans to depart the Trojans despite serving as one of their top pass-catching threats and special teams aces this season. His brother, defensive back Zion Branch, is also entering the portal. They could come as a package deal.
Branch was an explosive weapon for USC throughout 2024. The Las Vegas, Nevada native led the team in receptions with 47 (tied with running back Woody Marks) and finished second in receiving yards (503), trailing just Makai Lemon (665). Branch also accounted for nearly 200 additional yards as an occasional kickoff and punt returner.
Branch is an undersized, but dynamic slot receiver. He should attract several potential suitors via the portal. We've identified three potential landing spots.
Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes were big-time players in the transfer portal last offseason. They lured quarterback Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez, among others. With Ward and Martinez headed to the 2025 NFL Draft, head coach Mario Cristobal will be looking to refill the cupboard with offensive talent.
The Hurricanes will be weary of taking a step backward after enjoying a successful 10-win season in 2024. Cristobal possesses expansive resources in the form of NIL money. Miami operates a pass-happy offense, something Branch will likely appreciate when weighing his next program. Branch would have a career-best season as Miami's slot receiver next campaign.
Oregon Ducks
The No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks are slight favorites to win the College Football Playoff’s first-ever 12-team race to the National Championship. Head coach Dan Lanning has quickly transformed this program into a powerhouse winner. Once the playoff concludes, expect Lanning to shift attention to rebuilding another elite roster for the 2025 season.
Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart are among the potential departing receivers. Oregon has been a popular destination for high-profile transfers in recent years. Lanning's offensive coordinator is Will Stein, who has been overseeing a pass-happy offense this season. Branch would be a terrific fit for that scheme as an explosive slot receiver with legitimate run-after-catch threat. The Ducks need reinforcements.
Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs desperately need to upgrade their wide receiver corps via the transfer portal. Head coach Kirby Smart is an elite recruiter who’s in the market for go-to playmakers, both in the slot and on the outside. That should make Branch a notable target as the Bulldogs' 2025 offense begins taking shape.
Starting quarterback Carson Beck is expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft following the conclusion of the College Football Playoff. Gunner Stockton projects as Georgia's starter next season. Surrounding the inexperienced signal-caller with QB-friendly targets is of the utmost importance. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo would connect with Branch's skill set. The Bulldogs have already been linked with Georgia Tech receiver Eric Singleton in the portal, but look for Branch to join their wishlist.
