The USC Trojans have been dealt another significant blow with the departure of wide receiver Zachariah Branch and safety Zion Branch, who have both entered the transfer portal. This marks the 19th player from the 2024 roster to leave the program.
Zachariah Branch was a highly touted recruit, ranked as the No. 1 receiver and No. 4 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He quickly became an impact player for the Trojans, earning First-Team All-American honors as a returner in his freshman season.
The loss of the Branch brothers is a significant setback for coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans. The program has struggled to retain top talent, with 10 of Riley’s top 15 recruits from his first two years at the helm entering the transfer portal.
The Trojans’ receiving corps has been particularly hard hit, with the departures of Zachariah Branch, Tyron Hudson, and Duce Robinson. The program is now targeting receivers in the transfer portal to rebuild the room.
USC has already taken a hit in the recruiting rankings, with 14 players decommitting from the 2025 recruiting class. The program’s inability to retain top talent and attract new recruits has raised concerns about the future of the program.
The Trojans’ struggles in the transfer portal have been exacerbated by the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have given players more freedom to choose their own destiny. Coach Riley has spoken about the challenges of competing in this new landscape.
As the Trojans look to rebuild their roster, they will need to find a way to attract and retain top talent. The program’s future depends on it.
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