WR Zachariah Branch on why he transferred to Georgia from USC
Zachariah Branch’s name has long been synonymous with explosiveness, electrifying returns, and jaw-dropping agility. When the five-star phenom out of Las Vegas committed to USC, he was hailed as the next Reggie Bush—a dynamic, game-breaking presence who could score from anywhere on the field. Now, in one of the biggest transfer portal moves of the 2025 offseason, Branch has stunned the college football world by leaving the West Coast and committing to play for the University of Georgia, a team known more for its physicality and defense than for flashy wide receivers.
The decision, while surprising on the surface, is the result of a calculated evaluation by Branch and those closest to him. In an exclusive interview, the star wideout detailed what led to the move from USC to Georgia, what he’s expecting from Kirby Smart’s program, and how he envisions his role evolving in Athens. And if his words are any indication, this isn’t just a transfer—it’s a mission.
“I loved USC. I’ll always love L.A.,” Branch says. “But at the end of the day, I want to win a national championship. I want to play with the best. And I want to be part of something bigger than just putting up stats. Georgia gave me that vision. They gave me that feeling. That hunger.”
Branch’s decision came after a sophomore season in which he dazzled in flashes, recording 53 receptions for 798 yards and 8 touchdowns, while also ranking among the nation’s top punt and kickoff returners. But despite his personal production, USC struggled with consistency and defensive lapses that resulted in a 7–5 season and another missed College Football Playoff berth. For a player like Branch—used to winning, used to performing on the biggest stages—patience ran thin.
Sources close to USC noted that the instability following head coach Lincoln Riley’s hot-seat rumors, constant staff turnover, and ongoing struggles on defense weighed heavily on Branch’s decision. “Zachariah wanted structure, culture, and competitiveness,” one insider said. “Georgia didn’t just offer him a spot—they offered him a plan.”
Indeed, it was Kirby Smart’s pitch that ultimately tipped the scales. While Georgia may not have traditionally been a receiver-heavy program, things have shifted in recent years. With the development of players like George Pickens, Ladd McConkey, and Arian Smith, the Bulldogs have shown they can produce elite talent at the position. And with new offensive coordinator James Coley returning to a more vertical, creative passing game, the timing was perfect.
Branch recalls the moment it clicked during his visit to Athens. “I was standing at midfield in Sanford Stadium, just taking it in. Coach Smart walked over and said, ‘You’re not just fast, you’re feared. We need that here. You want to be great? Come earn it here.’ And something in me just said, this is where I need to be.”
The move is already sending ripple effects across college football. Georgia, fresh off a dominant transfer portal haul that’s reshaped both its offense and secondary, is now adding arguably the most explosive return man and slot receiver in the country. Branch gives the Bulldogs something they haven’t consistently had during their rise to prominence: a true home-run threat every time he touches the ball.
His speed is unquestioned—he ran a verified 10.33 100m in high school and clocked 22+ MPH during a kickoff return last season. But it’s his acceleration, vision, and playmaking instincts that truly separate him. As a returner, he has six career touchdowns already, and as a receiver, he’s equally dangerous on screens, slants, or deep balls.
Georgia fans are already buzzing at the possibilities. Paired with quarterbacks Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi, Branch could become the centerpiece of a new-look offense designed to spread defenses thin and punish mistakes. He’s expected to start in the slot but will also be used in motion, backfield jet packages, and as the featured return man on special teams.
Asked how he expects to fit into Georgia’s offensive philosophy, Branch doesn’t flinch. “I want to be a problem. I want defenses to have to circle me on film and still not stop it. Georgia has the pieces. The defense? Already elite. The O-line? Dogs. Now we’re adding fire to that. I’m bringing speed, separation, and pressure. Every play, I’m a threat.”
The Bulldogs’ coaching staff is equally excited. Offensive coordinator James Coley called Branch “a game-changer who can unlock everything,” while Kirby Smart praised his mindset more than even his athleticism. “He doesn’t just want to play in big games—he wants to decide them,” Smart said. “That’s what we look for.”
For Branch, the move is also about sharpening his NFL trajectory. Though he was already on scouts’ radar, there’s a growing belief that Georgia’s training program, NFL-style practices, and SEC gauntlet will elevate his development. “I want to go against the best DBs every day in practice,” he said. “Iron sharpens iron. You can’t get that everywhere. You get that in Athens.”
Indeed, Georgia’s defensive back room may be the best in the country, featuring projected first-rounders and returning All-Americans. For Branch, that’s not a concern—it’s an opportunity. “I want to be humbled in practice. I want to lose some reps and learn from it. I want to get to Sundays, and nothing surprises me.”
The transition hasn’t been without emotion. Branch leaves behind teammates, coaches, and fans at USC who supported him through his early growth. He made it clear he holds no ill will and thanked Trojan Nation in a heartfelt social media post. “I gave everything I had to the program, and I’ll always root for them. But this was about growth—for me as a man and as a player. I had to make the hard choice for the right reasons.”
Recruiting analysts say the move also underscores Georgia’s growing dominance in the transfer portal era. Once known primarily for reloading through high school recruiting, Smart’s staff has now proven they can land big names who are looking to win immediately. This offseason alone, the Bulldogs have added four five-star caliber transfers on offense, including a quarterback, a left tackle, a tight end, and now a superstar receiver.
Branch’s arrival is especially symbolic. A high-profile West Coast recruit choosing to leave USC for Georgia reflects a national power shift. The SEC is no longer just the destination for linemen and running backs—it’s now a beacon for speed, flair, and offensive fireworks. In short, Georgia is no longer just the most physical team in the country. It might soon be the most explosive, too.
Within the Georgia locker room, Branch has already started bonding with teammates. Senior wideout Dillon Bell said, “Zach came in quiet but confident. He’s about that work. We see it in the weight room, on the field. He’s not here to talk—he’s here to change the game.”
Position coach Bryan McClendon echoed that sentiment: “He’s a natural leader by example. When your fastest guy is also your hardest worker, that’s contagious. He’s raised the level of everyone in the room already.”
As for expectations? Branch isn’t hiding from them. “I’m not just here to fit in—I’m here to stand out. I came to Georgia to win a nat
