‘All-in’ on Landing a Projected $1.2 Million Star: A Historic College Football Program
Even though the Tennessee Volunteers are out of the College Football Playoff, head coach Josh Heupel is trying to make an impression in the transfer portal. Tennessee is vying for a new playmaker with the Georgia Bulldogs, Arizona State Sun Devils, and other programs. Technically, the transfer portal is closed until April 16, but this does not stop players from committing to new teams, even if the news is not confirmed until the spring.
According to Pete Nakos of On3.com, the Vols are “all-in” on acquiring Zachariah Branch, a wide receiver for the USC Trojans.
“Zachariah Branch and his brother Zion have yet to commit as the dead period comes to a close,” Nakos stated on Tuesday. According to sources, Tennessee is making every effort to secure a visit by enlisting receiver Bru McCoy in a recruitment pitch.
Sources told On3 that Nicco Iamaleava’s father is also exerting pressure. The brothers had been to Georgia and Arizona State before.
In 2024, the 5-foot-10 sophomore wide receiver caught 47 passes for 503 receiving yards and a score while playing for the Trojans. To sign the playmaker, Tennessee will probably need to make a generous NIL offer for Branch.
As the second-ranked wide receiver in the transfer portal, On3 estimates that Branch’s NIL value is $1.2 million.
