The transfer portal frenzy has brought major buzz to the Miami Hurricanes, as they are now in serious contention to land former USC Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch, along with his brother Zion. With both players visiting Miami this week, the Hurricanes could make a game-changing addition to their roster.
Zachariah Branch: A Rising Star on the Move
Zachariah Branch, a five-star wide receiver from the class of 2023, was one of USC’s most electrifying players. In two seasons with the Trojans, he amassed 823 receiving yards, three touchdowns, and showcased his versatility with exceptional special teams contributions. Branch averaged 14 yards per punt return and 18.9 yards per kick return, earning first-team All-American honors in 2023. His explosive speed and dynamic playmaking ability make him one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal.
Branch expressed his gratitude to USC in a heartfelt social media post, saying:
“What an incredible journey it’s been here at USC. I am filled with appreciation for the opportunity to be a Trojan, put on the cardinal and gold, and represent this University. I’m grateful to Coach Riley, Coach Huard, and Coach Simmons for believing in me and giving me the chance to contribute. The memories I’ve made with my teammates both on and off the field mean the world to me.”
Branch’s accolades and production have solidified his status as the No. 2 wide receiver and the No. 3 player overall in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.
The Branch Brothers: A Package Deal
Zachariah isn’t navigating the transfer portal alone. His brother, Zion Branch, is also exploring new opportunities after three seasons at USC. Zion, a four-star recruit from the class of 2022, is a safety who appeared in 19 games, recording 42 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack. Currently ranked as a three-star player in the portal, he’s the No. 23 safety and No. 252 overall player per On3.
The brothers are a package deal, with both players intending to attend the same school. This dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue for Miami, as landing Zachariah would also bring much-needed depth to their safety position with Zion.
Miami’s Urgent Need for Reinforcements
The Hurricanes are facing a significant void at wide receiver after losing key players. Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, and Sam Brown declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, while Isaiah Horton transferred to Alabama. These departures leave Miami with limited experience in their wide receiver room, making Zachariah Branch an ideal addition to revitalize their offense.
At safety, Miami also has gaps to fill. Markeith Williams and Zaquan Patterson have seen limited reps, and the team is relying on freshmen who lack game experience. While the Hurricanes recently added Jacksonville State safety transfer Zechariah Poyser, securing Zion Branch would bolster the unit’s depth and versatility.
A Heated Recruiting Battle
The competition to land the Branch brothers is fierce. The duo has already visited Georgia, Arizona State, Tennessee, and Texas, with Georgia emerging as a strong contender. On3’s Pete Nakos highlighted the Bulldogs’ deep connections with the Branch family:
“Georgia’s connections are strong with the family. James Coley recruited them at Texas A&M, David Hill is from Las Vegas and has known them for a long time, and Donte Williams recruited Zion to USC.”
Despite Georgia’s edge, the brothers opted to visit Miami before making a decision. This visit underscores the Hurricanes’ commitment to making a strong push for their signatures. If Miami can impress during this critical visit, they could sway the brothers and pull off a major recruiting coup.
Why Zachariah Branch Could Transform Miami’s Offense
Zachariah Branch brings more than just talent—he brings game-changing potential. His ability to stretch defenses, make explosive plays in open space, and contribute on special teams could elevate Miami’s offensive performance in 2025. Pairing his skillset with Miami’s returning talent would provide head coach Mario Cristobal with a dynamic arsenal to compete at the highest level.
Zion Branch: A Key Piece for Miami’s Defense
Zion Branch’s experience and physicality would be equally valuable for the Hurricanes. With three seasons of college football under his belt, Zion offers a level of maturity and football IQ that could stabilize Miami’s secondary. His ability to step into a starting role or rotate in key situations would address one of the Hurricanes’ most pressing defensive needs.
Miami’s Final Push
The stakes couldn’t be higher as Miami vies for the Branch brothers against powerhouse programs like Georgia. The Hurricanes’ ability to secure these players would send a strong message about their ambitions moving forward. With a visit to Miami potentially being the last before a decision is made, Cristobal and his staff have a golden opportunity to seal the deal.
What’s Next?
As the Branch brothers weigh their options, all eyes are on Miami. Will the Hurricanes’ need for talent and their commitment to revitalizing the program be enough to outshine Georgia’s established connections? A decision is expected soon, making this one of the most pivotal moments of the transfer portal season.
For Miami fans, the potential addition of Zachariah and Zion Branch represents not just hope but a tangible step toward building a championship-caliber team. Stay tuned as this high-stakes recruiting battle reaches its conclusion.