USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch officially entered the NCAA transfer portal on Tuesday night, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Notably, he entered with a do-not-contact tag, signaling a significant shift in his college football journey.
Branch brothers make their move
Both Zachariah and his brother, Zion, also entered the portal on the same night. While Zachariah has opted for a do-not-contact designation, Zion did not, leaving the door open for potential conversations with other programs. Their decision to transfer from USC has sent ripples through the college football landscape, with On3 reporting early schools to watch in their recruitment.
Impressive collegiate performance
Zachariah Branch made a name for himself during his time at USC, earning first-team All-American honors in 2023. His impact was felt not just as a receiver but also in the return game, where he led the nation with an impressive 22.13 yards per punt return. His electrifying play included returning both a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns, showcasing his dynamic abilities on the field.
Career stats and contributions
In the 2024 season, Branch continued to shine, playing a pivotal role as a receiver. He recorded 47 receptions for 503 yards and added a touchdown to his resume. Additionally, he contributed significantly in special teams, returning 13 punts for 74 yards and five kickoffs for 105 yards. His versatility and skill set make him an attractive prospect for any program looking to bolster their roster.
High school pedigree and recruitment history
Before their collegiate careers, Zachariah and Zion Branch showcased their talents at Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman. Zachariah was a Five Star Plus+ prospect and ranked as the No. 4 overall player in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Meanwhile, Zion graduated a year earlier as a four-star prospect, earning the No. 61 spot in the 2022 cycle. Their impressive high school careers set the stage for their success at USC.
NIL deals and financial impact
The Branch brothers made headlines not only for their on-field exploits but also for their off-field business acumen. This year, they signed a historic NIL deal with Jordan Brand, becoming the first college football players to join the prestigious company. Zachariah, in particular, has garnered attention for his lucrative endorsements, including deals with JLab and Powerade during the season.
Understanding NIL valuation
Zachariah Branch boasts an On3 NIL Valuation of $1.2 million, placing him at No. 34 in the college football NIL rankings. This valuation also ranks him at No. 68 in the On3 NIL 100, a pioneering list that assesses the top 100 high school and college athletes based on their NIL value. This financial aspect of college athletics is becoming increasingly significant, as players leverage their marketability.
The complexities of roster management
As the landscape of college football evolves, the financial dynamics are shifting as well. “Despite what some fans and media believe, there is not an unlimited amount of money being deployed to manage rosters,” stated Shannon Terry, founder and CEO of On3. He emphasized the need for efficiency in roster management, highlighting that both athletes and schools must understand the respective market value of players.
Breaking down NIL valuation
The On3 NIL Valuation is calculated by combining two key components: Roster Value and personal NIL. Roster value reflects an athlete’s worth as a member of their team, while personal NIL encompasses the potential earnings from an athlete’s name, image, and likeness. This dual approach provides a comprehensive view of an athlete’s financial potential in the rapidly changing landscape of college sports.
As Zachariah and Zion Branch embark on their next chapter, college football fans are left to wonder where their talents will land next. With their impressive skill sets, strong marketability, and a growing influence in the NIL space, both brothers are poised to make significant impacts wherever they choose to play. The college football world will be watching closely as their recruitment unfolds, eager to see which programs will benefit from their exceptional talents.
