Five-star freshman Zachariah Branch made his presence felt in a big way for USC in its 56-28 Week 0 win over San Jose State.
He scored two touchdowns, including this electrifying 96-yard kickoff return.
Branch was the highest-ranked wide receiver in the recruiting class of 2023 and the seventh-ranked player overall, per 247 Sports.
He showed off his blistering speed on that kickoff return, his second touchdown of the game. His first college touchdown came earlier in the third when he caught a Caleb Williams pass at the line of scrimmage and scampered 25 yards for the score.
Branch finished his debut with 232 all-purpose yards; he had four receptions for 58 yards, one carry for 12 yards and three punt returns for 66 yards, in addition to the 96-yard kickoff return.
Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, is thrilling by himself and it’s incredible to think of what the USC offense could be capable of this season with Branch in the mix.Â
He’ll also boost a special teams unit that ranked 95th in the country last season in average starting field position for the offense. (h/t BCFToys)
The defense, however, might still be an issue after allowing 6.2 yards per carry against San Jose State. But as Jack Nicholson said in “Mars Attacks,” “Two out of three ain’t bad.”
Oddsmakers are high on USC (1-0). The Trojans are the favorite to win the Pac-12 while Williams has the best odds of winning the Heisman.Â
To reach those team and personal goals, USC can’t afford lulls from its offense. Branch’s debut suggests the Trojans don’t have to worry about that.
