USC WR Zachariah Branch scores first career touchdown vs. San Jose State

In his first full recruiting cycle, USC head coach Lincoln Riley loaded up on skill position players. While he might be known for bringing in the best quarterbacks in the country, Riley surrounds them with incredible weapons. One from the 2023 class is already making an impact, with Zachariah Branch getting on the board.

Branch was not lined up in a position a wide receiver usually would be. He was behind the line on scrimmage and in a more traditional tight end spot. But when there is an opportunity to get Branch in space, Riley is going to take advantage.

Quarterback Caleb Williams was able to get the ball to Branch in the flat and the wide receiver did the rest. Making two San Jose State defenders miss, Branch practically ran into the endzone untouched. Just the beginning of what could be an incredible career.

You can watch the full play from Branch here.

Branch played high school football at Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman, where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 4 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s Charles Power was higher on Zachariah Branch than anyone else in the industry, comparing him to former Alabama and current Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Saturday’s touchdown against San Jose State showed the yards-after-catch ability both Branch and Waddle possess.

“The most dynamic skill player in the 2023 cycle,” Power said in his scouting report of Branch. “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 elite 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. A dominant top performer in every neutral, all-star setting over the course of the cycle. Projects as an instant impact game-breaker at the college level with immense long-term potential.

Branch is off to a smashing start, getting his name on the board in Week 0. You can probably bet on a lot more coming over the next three to four (but probably just three) years.