USC assistant Donte Williams visits Zion and Zachariah Branch

On3 imageby:Keegan Pope01/17/22

bykeeganpope

Landing Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman safety Zion Branch was one of new USC head coach Lincoln Riley‘s biggest wins in the 2022 recruiting cycle. And adding a commitment from his brother Zachariah Branch, a five-star receiver in the 2023 class, was an even bigger one.

This weekend, the Trojans were in Sin City to see the pair, sending defensive backs coach Donte Williams to see them.

“Always good to see @CoachDee_USC!!” Zion Branch wrote on Twitter. “Thank you for coming out to see us! Fight On.”

Zion Branch is the No. 50 overall prospect in the 2022 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 5 safety and the No. 1 prospect in Nevada.

Zachariah meanwhile, is the No. 15 prospect in 2023, as well as the nation’s No. 1 receiver and No. 1 prospect in Nevada.

The duo is part of a recruiting overhaul since Riley and Co. took over. The Trojans had a number of decommits, but they have added Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Domani Jackson, four-star receivers C.J. Williams and Raleek Brown, and a handful of transfers, including 2021 top-35 prospect Mario Williams from Oklahoma. They’re considered the likely landing spot for Sooners transfer quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 2 quarterback in the 2021 class.

In 2023, Riley and Co. already have commitments from Zachariah Branch, Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Malachi Nelson, and four-star wide receiver Makai Lemon. USC’s class currently ranks No. 2 nationally, according to the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings.