USC added another headlining addition to its 2023 recruiting class on Friday as five-star wide receiver Zachariah Branch picked the Trojans live on CBS Sports HQ. Branch, one of the most talented players in the country, picked USC over Ohio State, Alabama, Oklahoma and Arizona.
Branch is a monster addition to Lincoln Riley’s first full recruiting class in Los Angeles, which is quickly shaping up as one of the best in the nation. The wide receiver is the third five-star recruit in the class, joining quarterback Malachi Nelson and athlete Makai Lemon, both of whom are natives of Southern California.
Listed at 5-foot-9 and 172 pounds, Branch boasts elite speed as both a gridiron star and track standout. The industry standard 247Sports Composite rates Branch as the No. 14 overall player in the class of 2023, including the No. 2 receiver. Branch ran a confirmed 10.33 in the 100 meters and wind-aided 21.01 200 meters. He also posted a 24-0 long jump and 46-4.25 triple as one of the top all-around track and field athletes in Nevada
Branch’s addition gives the Trojans an early No. 3 recruiting class in the nation for the 2023 cycle, behind only Georgia and Notre Dame. In less than a month on campus, Riley has recruited five players with five-star ratings, more than Clay Helton landed in his final four recruiting classes — with more potentially on the way