Zachariah Branch, a wide receiver from Southern California, and his older brother Zion Branch, a safety for the Trojans, are logging in to the transfer portal.
On Tuesday, Zachariah and Zion shared their choices on social media. The two brothers would eventually play at the same school once more, according to several media sites.
Zachariah Branch added in his article, “Even though 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.”
After missing the entire 2022 season due to a lower-body injury, Zion Branch, one of the first top prospects signed by USC coach Lincoln Riley, battled injuries during his time with the Trojans. He has recorded 41 tackles in the last two seasons.
Zachariah Branch, a five-star recruit from the siblings’ hometown of Las Vegas, joined USC a year after his brother. There will be two more years of eligibility left for both brothers.
Zachariah Branch never became the outstanding wide receiver that many had anticipated in Riley’s offense, despite displaying his incredible speed and making 78 receptions for 823 yards and three scores over the previous two seasons. He only managed 74 yards on returns this season, demonstrating his inefficiency as a punt returner.
Zion Branch posted on social media, “One of the best experiences of my life has been playing football at USC.” “Having the opportunity to be a USC Trojan and suit up alongside my brother made it even more special, and it’s something I’ll always cherish.”
Riley’s Trojans (6-6) will play Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 27 to end their second consecutive poor season.
Many of Riley’s top-tier prospects from his first three seasons have left USC through the transfer portal. The Trojans’ current receiver group, which has been among the least productive in the twenty-first century, has already sent Zachariah Branch, Duce Robinson, and Penn State commit Kyron Hudson through the gate.
There are other Big Ten wide receivers searching for a new home besides Zachariah Branch. CJ Williams and Will Pauling of Wisconsin also said they are going through the transfer portal.
In 2023, Pauling caught 74 passes for 837 yards and six touchdowns. This season, he caught 42 passes for 407 yards and three touchdowns. During the previous two seasons, Williams caught 31 passes for 396 yards.
For both players, this will be their second transfer. While Williams started in Southern California, Pauling had accompanied Badgers coach Luke Fickell from Cincinnati to Wisconsin.
In other portal news, Auburn signed two offensive line starters, one of whom was a former Trojan, from Power Four universities.
Mason Murphy, a former USC right tackle, and Xavier Chaplin, a former Virginia Tech lineman, were signed by the Tigers.
Chaplin has been the Hokies’ starter for the last two seasons. Murphy led the team in both offensive and total snaps and started all 12 of the Trojans’ games last season. In the two seasons prior, he started five games each.
Ashton Daniels from Stanford and Jackson Arnold from Oklahoma are the two transfer quarterbacks that Auburn has previously acquired.
Luke Kromenhoek announced that he will be moving from Florida State to Mississippi State, among other quarterback transfers in the SEC.
As a rookie this season, Kromenhoek completed 52.4% of his throws for 502 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He started Florida State’s final two games, a win over Charleston Southern and a loss to Florida.
Florida State added edge rusher James Williams from Nebraska and offensive tackle Gunnar Hansen from Vanderbilt. Williams had five sacks for the Cornhuskers this season, while Hansen is a three-year starter.
Boston College got a commitment from quarterback Dylan Lonergan, who has been a backup at Alabama the last two seasons. Alabama added former Florida edge rusher Kelby Collins.
Indiana got some good news as it prepares for its Friday night playoff game at Notre Dame, with former UAB running backLee Beebe Jr. announcinghe would join the Hoosiers next season.
Beebe rushed for 885 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He also caught 30 passes for 219 yards and one score.
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