The Georgia Bulldogs have secured commitments from former USC Trojans standouts Zachariah and Zion Branch, marking a significant move in the 2025 college football transfer portal. The brothers, both Las Vegas natives and alumni of Bishop Gorman High School, announced their decisions to join Georgia after entering the transfer portal in December 2024 .
Zachariah Branch: Dynamic Playmaker
Zachariah, a wide receiver and return specialist, was a highly sought-after transfer, ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the portal by On3 . During his two seasons at USC, he amassed 78 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns. In 2023, he earned First Team All-American honors as a returner, recording two kick return touchdowns and nearly 800 total return yards. In 2024, he tied for the team lead with 47 receptions for 503 yards and one touchdown .
At Georgia, Zachariah is expected to bolster a receiving corps that struggled in 2024, leading the nation with 36 dropped passes . His speed and versatility make him a potential game-changer for the Bulldogs.
Zion Branch: Defensive Asset
Zion, a safety, brings valuable experience to Georgia’s defense. After redshirting in 2022 due to injury, he appeared in 19 games over three seasons at USC, recording 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble . In 2024, he played in all 12 games, contributing 19 tackles, three pass breakups, and one sack .
Georgia’s defense is undergoing significant changes, with key players departing. Zion’s experience and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in the Bulldogs’ defensive schemes.
Family Ties and Commitment to Georgia
The Branch brothers’ decision to transfer together underscores their strong family bond and shared commitment to Georgia. Both players highlighted the Bulldogs’ coaching staff, program pedigree, and culture of excellence as key factors in their decision . Their familiarity with Georgia coaches, including wide receivers coach James Coley and cornerbacks coach Donte Williams, who previously coached defensive backs at USC, also influenced their choice .
With two years of eligibility remaining, the Branch brothers are poised to make an immediate impact at Georgia, contributing to both the offense and defense as the Bulldogs aim to contend for national championships in the upcoming seasons.
