USC Star Zachariah Branch Shares Moment With Raiders Coach Before Kickoff vs. LSU

The USC Trojans kick off the 2024 season with a game against the LSU Tigers in Las Vegas. The showdown is being held at Allegiant Stadium, where the Las Vegas Raiders play their home games.

Both teams enter the season ranked in the top 25 despite undergoing a number of changes, including both programs losing their former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks.

Prior to kickoff, USC star wide receiver and returner Zachariah Branch made waves while embracing Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce.

The two met and shared a moment with one another as Antonio Pierce was on the field in Las Vegas.

It is unclear what Pierce said to Branch, but it looks as if Branch uttered the words "Thank you" to the Raiders head coach.

Branch emerged as a weapon for USC in 2023 as a freshman. He caught 29 passes for 311 yards and a pair of touchdowns but he also added a rushing score.

Branch made headlines by scoring a receiving touchdown and a kickoff return for a touchdown in the 2023 season opener against LSU.

Branch also added a punt return for a touchdown a couple of weeks later against Stanford, so he can do a lot of things well on the field.

Entering the 2024 campaign, Branch should once again be a weapon for USC with new quarterback Miller Moss.

With two top-25 teams facing off on a Sunday night in Las Vegas, there should be plenty of NFL scouts and talent evaluators on hand for this showdown.

Related: LSU Will Be Without Key Starter In Week 1 Matchup Against USC