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Highly touted transfer brothers Zachariah and Zion Branch have committed to Georgia in one of the most notable transfer moves of the winter. They both announced the news via their social media accounts on Sunday.
Zachariah, a receiver and former top-10 recruit in 2023, caught 78 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns over two seasons at USC, earning freshman All-America honors in 2023. He also had a kick return touchdown, punt return touchdown and averaged 21 yards per punt return in that first season.
He should bring another level of explosiveness for a Georgia wide receiver group that struggled at times this season, although Zachariah’s sophomore season was considered relatively disappointing relative to the high expectations.
Zion, a safety and former four-star and top-100 recruit in 2022, had 41 tackles over two seasons with the Trojans, though he’s battled injuries and missed all of his true freshman season. He was expected to battle for a starting job at USC in 2025.
Both have two seasons of eligibility remaining. — Vannini
What does this mean for Georgia?
Georgia badly needed a difference-making receiver, and Zachariah Branch is clearly capable of being that. He can be put in the slot or moved around, whatever it takes to get him open in space. He could do a lot of what Georgia did to get the ball to Arian Smith, the leading receiver last year: screens, jet sweeps, and of course downfield shots.
He can also return punts, replacing Anthony Evans, who conveniently announced Sunday he was entering the portal.
But Georgia also wanted a safety, so this is not a case of taking the brother in order to get the package deal. Malaki Starks is expected to turn pro and Dan Jackson is out of eligibility, so Zion Branch could team with KJ Bolden, a five-star in last year’s class, to man the back end of the 2025 defense.
After a disappointing December in the transfer window and the Sugar Bowl loss, this is a huge lift for Kirby Smart’s team. Two probable starters, including the badly-needed game-changing receiver. — Emerson
Required reading
(Photo of Zachariah Branch: Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images)
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