USC star wide receiver Zachariah Branch and safety Zion Branch plan to enter the NCAA transfer portal, the brothers confirmed to ESPN.

Zachariah and Zion are former top-100 recruits who have two seasons of eligibility remaining. Once they officially join, they are expected to be among the most sought-after players in the portal and choose their next school together.

Zachariah earned first-team All-America honors during his first season with the Trojans in 2023, while also developing into one of the best all-purpose playmakers in college football. Branch received this award for his performance as a kick returner, recording 774 return yards and two touchdowns in his debut season. He received the Jet Award for the nation’s top returner and is USC’s first true freshman All-American.

“The decision to move on was a difficult decision,” Zachariah told ESPN. “I love USC! The hospitality and love I received from everyone there was amazing. I just feel like it’s best for my future to start a new journey.”

The speedy 5-foot-10, 175-pound receiver caught 78 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 87 yards and another touchdown during his two seasons in USC coach Lincoln Riley’s offense. He tied for the team lead in receptions this season with 47.

Zion, his older brother, suffered season-ending injuries in 2022 and 2023 before playing all 12 games for the Trojans this season. The redshirt sophomore safety recorded 19 tackles, 3 pass breakups and 1 sack in a reserve role.

“The decision to move on wasn’t easy,” Zion told ESPN. “I truly appreciate everything about my time at USC. From the relationships I’ve built to the support I’ve received on and off the field, it’s been great. It was a place where I grew as a person and as a player. However, I believe in it.” “Taking a new opportunity is the best thing for my development and my future goals.”

The brothers joined the Trojans after starring at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. Zachariah was the No. 7 overall recruit in the ESPN 300 for 2023, while Zion was the No. 76 overall recruit in 2022.

“I’m looking for a school that will help me develop, not only as a student-athlete, but as a person that will help me grow,” Zachariah said. “Somewhere where I can prepare for the next level. I want to be surrounded by like-minded people who share the same goals.”

USC added 14 scholarship players to the transfer portal at 6-6 at the end of the regular season and now needs to replace another top receiver after losing Duce Robinson and Kyron Hudson earlier this month. Hudson committed to Penn State on Monday. Miller Moss, their former starting quarterback, also decided to transfer and signed with Louisville.

The Trojans will conclude their season against Texas A&M in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on December 27 (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Branch brothers will not be participating in this game.

“I am looking for a program that will challenge me to grow both on the field and in life,” Zion added. “I want to be in an environment where I can continue to develop as a student-athlete, push my limits and prepare for the next level. Being surrounded by teammates and coaches who share the same drive and commitment will help us all push each other to reach our full potential.