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Zachariah Branch

Zachariah Eric Branch is an American football wide receiver who plays for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Zachariah Eric Branch is an American football wide receiver who plays for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at USC and Georgia before being selected by Atlanta in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Early life and high school

Branch was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. He emerged as a highly rated recruit and came to college as one of the top wide receiver prospects in his class.

College career

Branch began his college career at USC, where he also contributed heavily on special teams. He transferred to Georgia in 2025 and had a breakout season, setting a Georgia single-season receptions record with 81 catches.

Professional career

Branch entered the 2026 NFL Draft after his junior season and was chosen by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round. He joined the Falcons as a wide receiver and return-game option.

Playing style

Branch is known for speed, quickness, and big-play ability, with value both as a receiver and as a return specialist. Evaluators have projected him as a slot receiver and gadget player at the professional level.

Key facts

  • Branch was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 79th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • He played two college seasons at USC before transferring to Georgia.
  • At Georgia in 2025, he recorded 81 receptions for 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
  • He was a standout return specialist in college, including winning the Jet Award at USC as a freshman.
  • Branch is the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Famer Cliff Branch.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Zachariah Branch?
He is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons who played college football at USC and Georgia.
When was Zachariah Branch born?
He was born on March 29, 2004.
Which team drafted Zachariah Branch?
The Atlanta Falcons drafted him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 79th overall.
What college did Zachariah Branch attend?
He played at USC and later transferred to Georgia.
What is Zachariah Branch known for?
He is known for speed, return skills, and productivity as both a receiver and special-teams contributor.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zachariah_Branch
    Supports: Birth date, college history, and 2026 NFL Draft selection by Atlanta.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4870612/zachariah-branch
    Supports: NFL team, position, jersey number, height/weight, birthdate, college, and draft information.
  3. Atlanta Falcons — https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-falcons-select-zachariah-branch-third-round
    Supports: Official draft selection, college, 2025 season statistics, and role projection.
  4. Georgia Bulldogs — https://georgiadogs.com/sports/football/roster/zachariah-branch/9615
    Supports: Roster identity, full name, family connection to Zion Branch, and relation to Cliff Branch.
  5. NFL.com — https://www.nfl.com/players/zachariah-branch/
    Supports: Active player listing, team, position, height, weight, and hometown.
  6. PlayerProfiler — https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/zachariah-branch/bio/
    Supports: College production, transfer history, recruit status, and return-specialist background.