Georgia football is diving into the high-stakes recruitment of USC transfer wide receiver Zachariah Branch, one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. Ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the portal, Branch’s entry has sparked intense competition, with Georgia immediately listed among six programs to watch. However, two intriguing factors could shape the Bulldogs’ pursuit.
1. The “Do Not Contact” Tag
Branch entered the portal with a “Do Not Contact” tag, as reported by Pete Nakos of On3. This designation restricts schools from reaching out to him directly, indicating that Branch may already have a shortlist of preferred programs. For Georgia, this means they must hope to be on Branch’s radar or rely on the possibility of the tag being removed.
This strategy could streamline Branch’s recruitment, allowing him to focus on schools he’s genuinely interested in without fielding offers from dozens of programs. While Georgia has the pedigree to attract top talent, they must tread carefully given the unusual dynamics at play.
2. Record-Breaking NIL Potential
Branch is also poised to reset the market for wide receivers in the NIL era. Reports suggest that Branch could command over $4 million in NIL deals, potentially making him the highest-paid wide receiver in transfer portal history.
Georgia’s financial resources give them the ability to compete in NIL negotiations, but it remains unclear if the program is willing to engage in a bidding war. The Bulldogs recently passed on another top portal target, Eric Singleton Jr., due to the high cost of his NIL package. Whether they adopt a different approach with Branch remains to be seen.
The Road Ahead
Kirby Smart and his staff face a tough battle to secure Branch’s commitment. As one of the most electric playmakers in college football, Branch could elevate Georgia’s already formidable offense. But with competition fierce and financial stakes higher than ever, the Bulldogs will need to act decisively to win this recruitment.
Will Georgia step up and land Branch, or will the price prove too steep? The next few weeks will reveal if the Bulldogs can rise above the challenges and secure one of the most significant transfers in recent memory.
