USC's Zachariah Branch signs NIL deal with C4 Energy

Before he even enrolled in January, USC was excited about what Zachariah Branch was bringing to the program.

The No. 4 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class according to the On3 Industry Ranking has elite speed. He was clocked with a 10.33 second time in the 100 meter as a sophomore in high school. There’s a reason why the former Five-Star Plus+ receiver was one of the most sought-after names in last year’s cycle.

The rest of the nation was introduced to Zachariah Branch in late August. The true freshman recorded 232 all-purpose yards, including a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown, against San Jose State. He’s continued on that trajectory throughout the season, averaging 22.6 yards per punt return and 28.5 yards per kick return.

Despite missing Saturday’s game at Colorado, he’s become one of the most exciting players to watch in college football. And thanks to NIL, brands want to work with the future star.

C4 Energy is getting involved early. The energy drink has signed an NIL partnership with Branch, announced Saturday night. For an athlete who is primed to capitalize in NIL during his college career, adding an endorsement deal with C4 could be a sign of what’s to come.

“Hustle, highlights, energy,” C4 wrote on Instagram. “It’s all in his DNA. Welcome to the squad.”

Launched in 2011 as a powder-based drink, the brand shifted to a C4 carbonated energy drink in 2018. NFL athletes including Justin Fields, Bijan Robinson and CJ Stroud have long-term ambassador contracts with the company. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers signed an NIL agreement with the brand last month following his win at Alabama.

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Zachariah Branch just getting started at USC, in NIL

Branch is repped by Excel Sports Marketing. He recently inked a multi-year NIL deal with Panini America. As part of the agreement, he will be featured in Panini’s collegiate and NIL products along with select marketing activations this fall.

Panini also released a dual Instant Card featuring Branch and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. According to the company, the Instant Cards allow fans to collect the season’s most memorable moments throughout the 2023 season.

With a climbing social media following that sits north of 227,000 followers, he will have plenty of opportunities come his way. Los Angeles provides all the resources he needs to shoot quality content for brands. Most companies who will want to align with him have offices in the City of Angels. Filming a commercial and zipping back to campus for practice will be an average afternoon.

He could learn a couple of tips from Williams, who has emerged as one of the most successful businessmen in the NIL Era. The USC quarterback has notable NIL agreements with with Athletic Brewing Company, Fanatics, Neutrogena, AT&T, Beats by Dre, PlayStation, United Airlines and AC+ION Water. 

First, Branch will need to get healthy and get back on the field. But averaging 13.7 yards per catch and his big-play capabilities make him a future star.