Zachariah Branch Transfer Portal: 5 landing spots for the USC WR ft. Oregon
Zachariah Branch joined the USC Trojans as a five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. He appeared in 23 games during his two years with the program, recording 78 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns while adding 87 rushing yards and one touchdown on 11 carries.
Branch also returned 29 punts for 406 yards and one touchdown while returning 29 kickoffs for 547 yards and one touchdown.
He took to X/Twitter on Tuesday to announce his decision to enter the transfer portal:
"What an incredible journey it's been here at USC," Branch said. "I am filled with appreciation for the opportunity to be a Trojan, put on the cardinal and gold and represent this University.
"I am thankful for the love and support from my coaches, teammates, advisors, football staff and professors. Being able to share the field with my brother has also been a blessing and something that I know is a rare privilege.
"It's been an honor to play for such a prestigious program, and I'm grateful to Coach Riley, Coach Huard, and Coach SImmons for believing in me and giving me the chance to contribute. The memories I've made with my teammates both on and off the field means the world to me.
"After much prayer and thought, I have decided to enter the transfer portal. While this wasn't an easy decision, I'm looking forward to what the future holds and am excited for the new opportunities ahead. Thank you Trojan Family. Fight on!"
Check out the tweet from Zachariah Branch below:
Here's a closer look at five potential landing spots for Zachariah Branch via the transfer portal.
5 potential Zachariah Branch landing spots via transfer portal
#1. Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks recruited Zachariah Branch coming out of high school. Meanwhile, Dan Lanning's staff has shown a willingness to use the transfer portal to upgrade the roster. The Ducks top three receivers all joined the team via the transfer portal over the past two offseasons.
#2. Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines are expected to be in the market for a wide receiver as they received virtually no production from the position in 2024. Zachariah Branch was targeted by the program coming out of high school and could provide them with a significant upgrade.
#3. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes will likely lose Emeka Egbuka to the 2025 NFL Draft. They also recruited Zachariah Branch out of high school and even held an official visit with his twin brother Zion Branch, who is also in the portal.
#4. Texas A&M Aggies
The Texas A&M Aggies were the only program to host Zachariah Branch on an official visit coming out of high school. While there is a new head coach in place, Mike Elko could look to see if the school left a lasting impact on the wide receiver.
#5. Colorado Buffaloes
Deion Sanders appears set to return to the Colorado Buffaloes. That means that the program will likely be active in the transfer portal, once again. Zachariah Branch could be a fit as the team figures to be in the market for wide receivers and could offer him the opportunity to make an immediate impact on a team with a massive spotlight.
Where do you think Zachariah Branch should play his college ball next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.