Zachariah Branch transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for USC player ft. Michigan

After finishing the season 6-6, the USC Trojans took another blow when Zachariah Branch announced on Monday that he was entering the transfer portal from embattled coach Lincoln Riley's team. The wide receiver will be followed by his brother, safety Zion Branch, who will also enter the portal.

"The decision to move on was a tough decision," Zachariah told ESPN. "I love USC! The hospitality and the love I received from everyone while being there was great. I just feel like embarking upon a new journey is what's best for my future."

Five possible landing spots for Zachariah Branch

After a stellar 2023 season when he earned first-team All-America honors as a freshman, Zachariah Branch underwhelmed alongside his USC Trojans teammates this season.

Below are five possible landing spots for the wide receiver.

#5. Miami

Last season, Branch earned the Jet Award, which recognizes the best returner in the country, and the Miami Hurricanes, under coach Mario Cristobal, would benefit from Zachariah Branch's skill set after losing top kick returner, running back Chris Johnson Jr., to the portal.

Johnson tallied 285 yards on 19 returns (24.4 yards/return) this season for the Canes before deciding to depart Miami.

#4. Georgia

Zachariah Branch managed 503 yards on 47 receptions and one touchdown this season after coach Riley formulated a new role for him after he was supplanted as a kick returner by WR Makai Lemon.

Coach Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs are on the lookout for a top wide receiver after Idaho Vandals WR Jordan Dwyer revealed he had been contacted by the Bulldogs. Georgia's top wide receiver, Arian Smith, has only managed 750 yards on 47 receptions and four touchdowns, highlighting the WR as an area of need for the team that Branch would fill seamlessly.

#3. Florida

According to a report by On3 analyst Pete Nakos, coach Billy Napier's Florida Gators are one of the teams with a serious interest in Branch's services. The Gators saw a reversal of their fortunes toward the end of the season, winning four of their last six games after a woeful start.

The Gators have lost their two top wide receivers, Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger, and according to 247Sports, the wide receiver room is an area of concern for Florida, necessitating the interest in Branch.

#2. Louisville

The Louisville Cardinals have lost 17 players to the transfer portal while landing six of their own. According to Nakos' report, Jeff Brohm's team is in the running for Branch's commitment.

According to Nakos, the Cardinals hold more than a passing interest in Branch after obtaining the commitment of his former quarterback, Miller Moss, who was displaced by Jayden Maiava toward the end of the season.

#1. Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines under first-year coach Sherrone Moore struggled in their quarterback department, but after securing the services of five-star QB Bryce Underwood, the wide receiver room is now an area of concern.

According to Nakos' report, the Wolverines are the team with the biggest interest in Branch after Tyler Morris entered the portal despite obtaining the commitment of Indiana WR Donaven McCulley.

Despite not hitting the heights of his freshman season, Zachariah Branch will likely be one of the most coveted prospects in the transfer portal due to the immense potential that he displayed last season.