In a move that's causing quite a buzz in college football, Jordan Brand has signed USC’s dynamic duo, Zion and Zachariah Branch, to NIL contracts ahead of the 2024 season. This makes the Branch brothers the first college football players to join the Jordan Brand’s endorsement lineup. It’s not every day that a pair of siblings catches the eye of a global sports giant, and the Branches are making history in style.
The Branch Brothers: A Quick Introduction
Entering their sophomore seasons with the Trojans, Zachariah and Zion Branch are both poised for breakout years. Zion, a safety, was ranked as the No. 58 overall recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2022 season. Unfortunately, his time at USC has been marred by injuries. After missing all of 2022 due to a torn ACL, Zion managed just nine appearances in 2023 before a recurring knee issue limited his play. Despite this, he finished his redshirt freshman year with 22 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble.
On the other side of the field, Zachariah, a wide receiver, had a promising freshman year. Ranked as the seventh-best player and No. 1 wideout in 2023, he stepped up as a crucial part of the Trojans' passing game. With Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice now in the NFL, Zachariah is expected to take on a larger role this season.
Last year, he was third on the team in receptions (31) and fourth in receiving yards (320). His contributions extended beyond receiving, as he also showcased his speed and agility on special teams. Averaging 18.4 yards per kick return and 20.8 yards per punt return, he earned some All-American honors for his efforts.
The Jordan Brand Deal: What It Means
While the Branch brothers will soon be sporting Jordan Brand gear, don’t expect to see them flaunting it on the field when USC kicks off the season against LSU. According to Sportico's Eric Jackson , the Trojans are bound by a larger apparel contract with Nike, which restricts the players from wearing Jordan Brand gear during games. Nevertheless, this endorsement deal is a significant milestone for both the athletes and the Jordan Brand, signaling a growing trend of high-profile NIL deals in college football.
What’s Next?
As the new season begins, all eyes will be on the Branch brothers. With Zion’s return from injury and Zachariah’s elevated role, the Trojans are set for an exciting year. The Jordan Brand deal is just the icing on the cake, showcasing the rising star power of USC’s football program.
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