USC Football: How Fans Feel About Freshman WR After First Game

The USC Trojans have one of the best offenses across college football, and it all starts with Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. His ability to get the ball to his wide receivers in their spots is special and a major reason why he is currently the favorite to be taken with the first oval pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

But without the talented guys alongside him, Williams wouldn’t be able to put up the numbers that he does. He can’t do it alone, so the Trojans have made it a point to surround him with a ton of different weapons.

One of those weapons was on full display in the team's opening game against San Jose State, as freshman Zachariah Branch put on a show for the Trojans faithful.

That first touch for Zachariah Branch… DAMN… can just tell he’s got the juice pic.twitter.com/sUJG9XZyAS
— JWack (@JaredWackerly) August 27, 2023

He was lights out for them, helping the team earn their first victory of the season. Against the Spartans, Branch put up four catches for 58 and one touchdown. But he also added a kickoff return for 96 yards and a score, plus one rushing attempt that yielded 12 yards and another touchdown.

Zachariah Branch put up CRAZY numbers in USC debut:

-Four Catches
-58 Yards
-1 REC TD
-96 Yard Kickoff Return TD
-232 all-purpose yards

-1st Trojan with a REC TD & KR TD in the same game since Adoree’ Jackson (2016)
-1st True Freshman with a KR TD since 2014 (A. Jackson)… pic.twitter.com/bv3phoVvCF
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 27, 2023

Branch stole the show in the Trojans season opener, and it led to all sorts of reactions from fans.

Zachariah Branch is going to be a stud for USC

pic.twitter.com/9u6bEpiUtS
— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) August 27, 2023

He has the look of the next great wide receiver to play for the Trojans and they are sure glad to have him on their team.

He's only a freshman 😱

Zachariah Branch had himself a night! pic.twitter.com/PQuhJruX24
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) August 27, 2023

Branch did have a quieter game against Nevada in the second game of the season, but he made his contributions felt. He put up one catch for 22 yards but did score another touchdown.

As the season goes on, Branch will learn the flow of the college game even more, and he should continue to help them win games. The first impression that he made was incredible, and we can't wait to see what else is in store the rest of the way.