Kirby Smart excited to see Zachariah Branch play his first game at Georgia

After two seasons out on the west coast, WR Zachariah Branch transferred this offseason to Georgia. Now, nearly eight months after his portal commitment, Kirby Smart is ready to see him take the field for the ‘Dawgs.

Smart spoke of what he’s noticed about Branch during his press conference on Monday going into this weekend’s opener versus Marshall. He mentioned things like his energy, enthusiasm, and love for the game that’s been evident since he came to Athens, which is why Smart is ready to see him finally play for them starting against the Thundering Herd on Saturday.

“He’s been a really high-energy, enthusiastic guy. Loves football, enjoys practicing each day. He talked about that, that he, like, wants to be part of a group that loves to compete and go at it every day and bring their best. I mean, the guy loves football, he loves working out, he loves taking care of his body,” said Smart. “So, very pleased with the energy he’s brought to our team, enthusiasm.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing him play because he’s had a good camp, and I think he really enjoys football. And those are the kinds of guys that really enjoy Saturdays,” Smart said.

Branch transferred in after a pair of seasons spent at USC. He, while with the Trojans, caught 78 passes for 823 yards, averaging 35.8 per game and 10.6 per catch, while scoring four total touchdowns with three receiving and one rushing. Then, on special teams, he returned 29 punts, for 406 yards and one touchdown, and kicks, for 547 yards and one touchdown, apiece. However, that role diminished a bit as his one as a receiver grew as a sophomore, posting 47 receptions for 503 yards and a touchdown last fall at ‘SC.

Entering the portal back in mid-December, Branch was the No. 8 overall transfer, and the No. 2 WR behind only Eric Singleton (Auburn), per On3’s 2025 Top Transfer Portal Players. He and Zion Branch, his brother, teammate at USC, and a Top-25 safety in the portal himself, would then commit to UGA three weeks later on January 5th.

With that, Branch was the top addition this offseason by Georgia out of ten commitments from the portal. He’s now expected to be a productive playmaker among several weapons they’ll have on their offense, like RBs Nate Frazier and Josh McCray (Illinois), WRs Dillon Bell and Noah Thomas (Texas A&M), and those at tight end like Lawson Luckie and Oscar Delp. That could apply on special teams again too, with Branch voted as Preseason First Team All-SEC as a return specialist.

Branch has previously been seen as one of the most electric players in all of college football with the ball in his hands. If he can tap into that between the hedges, Smart won’t be the only one excited to see him on Saturdays this fall, starting off with their opener this weekend versus Marshall.