USC Football: Zachariah Branch's Game Elicits Comparisons to Former SEC WR Phenom

Zachariah Branch already getting compared to NFL stars

After only one game in college, one of USC's numerous true freshmen is already getting comparisons to some NFL stars. 

The USC Trojans have found a star in Zachariah Branch. The five-star recruit out of Bishop Gorman (NV) made his name known in the college football world in USC's week zero win against San Jose State. 

In Saturday's 56-28 win, Branch dominated the game in all aspects. He caught four passes from Caleb Williams for 58 yards and a touchdown. He also returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. 

Now Branch has college football insiders comparing him to SEC legend and current Miami Dolphins wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle. 

Skies the limit for Zachariah Branch🚀 pic.twitter.com/k65TNA7iH5

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 28, 2023

At the University of Alabama, Waddle made an impact both on offense and on special teams. 

In three seasons in Tuscaloosa, he caught 17 touchdowns and 2000 yards on over 100 catches.

He scored three touchdowns on punts and kickoffs in the return game combined. 

Branch is off to a similar start as Waddle.

In high school, Branch was the number one recruit in the class of 2023. He showed his potential to score touchdowns at Gorman, scoring 36 total touchdowns during his four years in varsity. 

Now that he is at USC, he is already making a significant impact on the Trojans offense and special teams. 

Not only did he return the kickoff for a touchdown, he also averaged 22 yards per punt return in three attempts and was able to get involved in the run game.