Zachariah Branch discusses last season, Miller Moss and his goals for 2024

USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch will be one of the “must watch” players on the Trojans’ roster and in the entire Big Ten conference. The speedy receiver put together a strong freshman season in 2023, earning First-Team All-America honors as a returner and scoring touchdowns rushing, receiver, on a kick return and punt return.

Branch was a guest on the Next Up with Adam Breneman podcast and spoke about a number of topics, including his “welcome to college football” moment in 2023, what he’s seen from quarterback Miller Moss, and his lofty goals for the 2024 season.

Breneman asked Branch about his first college season and when he first knew he could perform at a high level as a true freshman. Branch credited the coaching staff and offensive teammates such as Caleb Williams, Mario Williams and Tahj Washington for helping get him all the way up to speed during practices. No surprise for USC fans, Branch said he felt fully comfortable in his first game.

“I feed off the crowd,” Branch said. “When there’s more people there, I’m just going to keep rolling with it. So once I made those plays, it was pretty fun.”

On the other side, Branch said his “welcome to college football” moment came from a couple of teammates during practice. He said the first came from Max Williams after he caught a curl route and turned to go upfield.

“As soon as I turned, boom, I got decleated,” Branch said. “I’m like, oooh, that was a nice hit. You got me.”

Branch said Jacobe Covington got him later during fall camp.

“Those were some good moments with my teammates,” Branch said.

Branch on Moss

Branch spoke highly of what Moss has done as the starting quarterback dating back to the bowl game and throughout spring ball. The interview with Breneman was more of the same.

“I feel like we had that connection pretty much when I got here last year, even when he wasn’t playing, just in practice,” Branch said. “He was ready for the opportunity. Everything was meant to happen at the right time.”

Branch praised Moss for the chemistry he’s developed with the receivers and in the offense. And he called Moss’ leadership qualities “perfect for our team” going into this 2024 season.

Goals for the 2024 season

Breneman asked Branch for his individual goals and team goals for the 2024 season. Not surprisingly, Branch started by saying, “First I’ll start off with the team goals.”

“We’ve been getting real close throughout this offseason,” Branch said. “I feel like that’s the key to having a winning team. Everybody has to be all bought in and be like a unit. You can’t have any selfishness. Everybody has to play for each other, and that’s how you build a winning program.”

Branch said he’s seen that unity throughout the program, from players to coaches to strength staff. And he thinks that will pay off this fall.

“I expect us to do some big things this year,” Branch said. “I feel like the only people that can stop us is ourselves. Definitely excited to step into this new conference and make some noise early.”

USC is going to need a big year from Branch in order to make some noise against a tough schedule in a conference that has national championship contenders at the top. For himself, it’s about putting his best foot forward as a receiver.

“I’ve got to showcase my skills at wide receiver,” Branch said. “It was pretty cool getting to showcase my talents on special teams, but I feel like that’s just an addition. My main, primary position is wide receiver and I want to prove that to myself this year and really make a big step offensively and get All-American as a wide receiver.”

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