Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch transferred to Georgia in January after spending two seasons at USC.
Branch made an immediate impact with the Bulldogs. He finished the 2025 season with 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns.
Actually, during Georgia’s 39–34 Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss, Branch made UGA history. He broke Georgia’s single-season record for most catches recorded. The previous record was held by Brice Hunter, who recorded 76 in 1993. Branch, who scored a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown to bring UGA within 3 points, blew past that mark tonight after entering the game with 73.
Branch is eligible for the NFL draft. He’s a shifty, speedy slot receiver. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has him as the No. 22 player in the 2026 draft.
After the game, Branch was asked if he’ll return next year. He said he’s not sure yet.
“I’m not even trying to think about that, man,” Branch told UGASports.com. “I don’t know what my decision is going to be, but definitely just blessed for the opportunity. The opportunity they gave me to be on this team, have a brotherhood with everybody. Just the love from the city of Athens as well and everybody in Georgia. So very grateful for this whole experience.”
Zachariah came to Georgia along with his brother, defensive back Zion Branch. The two made an impact in 2025. On Thursday night, Zion made a big play to break up a would-be first down in the fourth quarter. It was clutch. It just ended up not really mattering.
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton recently recalled his first impression of Zachariah during an interview with ESPN:
“We’re throwing routes or whatever,” Stockton said. “I remember seeing him after he caught the ball and making a juke move. I’m like, ‘Holy cow, how is anybody gonna tackle this guy?'”
Kirby Smart told ESPN that what impressed him most about Zachariah was his eagerness to learn:
“He wouldn’t leave the building,” Smart said. “He was there every day. He’s like, ‘I don’t want to go to my apartment. I don’t want to go home. I want to be up here. Is there anything I can watch? What can I learn? Can we work out again? Can we throw?’ The guy has just been a football junkie.”
Branch will have time to weigh his options. Since he competed in the College Football Playoff, he’ll have until Jan. 23 to make a decision. Players who did not make the CFP have until Jan. 5.
3 Responses
Please come back and buy your Senior year in Georgia. We need you next year. We will win a national championship game. Hopefully our juniors will stay like they did when we won the last national championship game and finish it.!
We need all juniors to come back and win a natty.This was a kinda rebuilding year and if not for injuries,who knows?
Come back Zac!