BREAKING: WR Zachariah Branch Opens Up on His Stunning Transfer from USC to Georgia — “It Was Time to Chase Greatness”
In a jaw-dropping move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, electrifying wide receiver Zachariah Branch announced his transfer from USC to the University of Georgia. The former five-star phenom and consensus top-10 national recruit didn’t just walk away from Lincoln Riley’s high-octane offense — he sprinted toward a dynasty in Athens. And now, he’s telling the world why.
“It wasn’t about leaving USC,” Branch told ESPN in an exclusive sit-down. “It was about stepping into something greater. Georgia isn’t just a program — it’s a machine. It’s a battlefield where legends are made.”
Branch, known for his Olympic-caliber speed and video-game shiftiness, racked up over 1,200 all-purpose yards in his freshman campaign with the Trojans, including five dazzling return touchdowns and multiple highlight-reel grabs. But as USC struggled to find consistency and rumors swirled about coaching instability, Branch quietly began exploring options behind the scenes.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart didn’t waste time.
“From the moment he hit the portal, we saw him not just as a fit — but as a game-changer,” Smart said. “Zachariah brings juice. He’s got that explosion, that fire. That’s Georgia football.”
What sealed the deal? According to Branch, it was more than just the back-to-back national championships or NFL pipeline. It was culture. Discipline. Brotherhood.
“I came on my visit and it felt like family,” Branch said. “They weren’t promising me the spotlight. They promised me work. And I respect that. I wanted to grind with the best, push myself against elite DBs every day, and prepare like a pro.”
Inside sources say Georgia’s revamped offense under new coordinator James Coley was also a major draw. The Bulldogs plan to deploy Branch in a Deebo Samuel-style hybrid role — slot, motion, reverses, punt returns — weaponizing his speed in space.
“Zachariah’s not just a receiver,” said Coley. “He’s a threat every time he touches the ball. And he’ll touch it a lot.”
Branch’s arrival further bolsters Georgia’s already-loaded WR room, joining forces with Arian Smith and budding sophomore Nyland Green. With QB Carson Beck entering his Heisman campaign, Georgia’s offense just added a nuclear warhead.
For USC, it’s a massive blow. For Georgia? A terrifying upgrade.
“I’ve got love for my guys at USC,” Branch said. “But this next chapter is about legacy. I want a ring. I want to play in January. And I want to do it in red and black.”
In an era defined by NIL and the transfer portal frenzy, Branch’s move symbolizes the new arms race in college football — and Kirby Smart may have just scored one of the biggest victories of the offseason.
Zachariah Branch is in Athens now.
And the SEC just got a whole lot faster.
