USC WR commit Zachariah Branch now a Five-Star Plus+ recruit

Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman wide receiver and USC commit Zachariah Branch established himself early on as one of the country’s top playmakers in the 2023 class.

In February, he was named a five-star prospect by On3. And he recently rose into the top five of the On3 Consensus after rankings updates across the industry. Now, after another change, he has ascended to Five-Star Plus+ status.

That label belongs to athletes ranked as five stars on the four major recruiting media service sites. According to the Industry Comparison, On3 ranks him the highest of the four sites, listing him as the No. 5 player in the class. ESPN, in its latest rankings update, moved him to No. 6 nationally while 247Sports and Rivals have him 10th and 17th, respectively.

He becomes the fourth Five-Star Plus+ prospect this cycle, joining New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman quarterback Arch Manning, Los Alamitos (Calif.) quarterback Malachi Nelson, and Lakeland (Fla.) cornerback Cormani McClain.

More than a half-dozen elite recruits are on the cusp on such status, with three of the four recruiting services ranking them as five-star prospects. See the full list here.

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Zachariah Branch Scouting Summary

“One of the more dynamic receiver prospects in the nation, regardless of class. Built like a traditional slot wide receiver at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds. An elite track athlete with a 10.33 second 100 meter mark and a 24 foot long jump as a sophomore. Is able to harness that speed on the football field with his high-end change of direction. Creates big plays as a deep threat and after the catch.

… Very difficult for defenders to tackle in space. A fluid mover with route-running and true wide receiver skills in addition to the considerable athleticism. Shows good ball skills with the ability to track and make extended catches in traffic. Plays at powerhouse Bishop Gorman and was a standout performer in four games against national competition in addition to the state title game. Looks like one of the best sub 5-foot-11 wide receiver prospects in several cycles.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings