LOS ANGELES – USC receiver/returner Zachariah Branch and his older brother Zion, a safety, intend to enter the transfer portal, a source briefed on the decision confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

Zachariah Branch, a former five-star prospect, will become one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. He was a Freshman All-American in 2023 as he developed into one of the most dynamic young players in the country, scoring touchdowns as a receiver, rusher, kick returner and punt returner. He finished his first season with 31 receptions for 320 yards and five total touchdowns.

Expectations for Branch’s second season were extremely high. His receiving totals rose to 47 receptions and 503 yards, but it was a disappointing performance from the Las Vegas native. He didn’t show the same burst or explosiveness he had as a freshman, and he didn’t make much progress as a receiver. Branch is known for his speed, but has had trouble consistently breaking away from defenders.

USC also didn’t give him a good chance of success and often forced him into contested catches on downfield throws. These were neither productive goals nor the best way to allow the fast playmaker to have contact with the ball.

Branch also needs to regain his confidence as a returner. He returned 16 punts for 332 yards and a touchdown in 2023, but totaled 74 yards on 13 punt returns this season and generally appeared unsure whether to return the punt or claim a fair catch. He was also relieved of kickoff return duties midway through the season.

USC has now lost three receivers to the portal this offseason – Branch, Duce Robinson and Kyron Hudson, who recently committed to Penn State.

Branch’s departure also continues another concerning trend for Lincoln Riley. USC signed six five-star prospects during his tenure. Two are in the 2025 recruiting cycle – quarterback Husan Longstreet and defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart. The other four have already transferred or are in the portal – corner Domani Jackson (transferred to Alabama), Branch (transfer portal), Robinson (transfer portal) and Malachi Nelson (transferred to Boise State and re-entered the transfer portal).

Zion Branch was a top-100 prospect in the 2022 recruiting cycle and was one of Riley’s first significant commitments at USC.

A knee injury forced Zion to miss his entire first season, and injuries continued to hamper his second season.

He was mostly healthy in 2024 but sat behind more experienced safeties Kamari Ramsey and Akili Arnold. He could have fought for a starting spot in 2025.

Now Zion and Zachariah Branch will be looking for a new home. Both are eligible to play for two more seasons.

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(Photo by Zachariah Branch: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)