Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs had been pretty quiet in the transfer portal while preparing for the College Football Playoff. But no longer.
The Red and Black made a splash this afternoon when former USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch committed to the ‘Dawgs. Branch’s brother Zion, a former national top 100 defensive back recruit, also announced his commitment to the Bulldogs via Instagram.
Branch, the #4 prospect nationally and #2 wide receiver in 247Sports Transfer Portal Rankings, entered the portal after two seasons at Southern Cal. A former five star prospect out of Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman, the 5’10, 175 pound speedster emerged as a dynamic playmaker for the Trojans as a true freshman in 2023, catching 31 passes for 320 yards and adding 9 rushes for 70 more.
Branch also made an immediate impact as both a punt and kick returner, tallying 442 yards and a touchdown on kick returns and 332 yards and another touchdown on punt returns.
In 2024, he took on a larger role in USC’s offense, finishing tied for second on the team with 47 catches for 503 yards and a touchdown, averaging 10.7 yards per catch.
I view Branch’s commitment as the other side of the coin from Anthony Evans’ announced entry into the portal, as the explosive Branch would almost certainly be a strong favorite to handle kick returns in 2025. If he can also play productive snaps in the slot on offense that would be even better.
Look for the Bulldogs to remain active in the transfer portal in the coming days, perhaps even picking up some players from teams currently still in the playoff hunt. Until later…
Go ‘Dawgs!!!