As a head coach, Lincoln Riley has always gotten the most out of his offense. Whether it’s helping quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams, Baker Mayfield, or Kyler Murray win Heisman trophies or leading wideouts such as Ceedee Lamb and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to NFL careers, Riley is a known offensive guru in the college space.
This track record of success leads many to believe the next star in Riley’s offense has arrived—USC freshman wide receiver Zachariah Branch. Big Ten Network analyst Anthony Herron believes the sophomore is bound for a solid sophomore season.
“The volume of touches for Zachariah Branch could have him perhaps an All-American claim this season because he is such a playmaker,” Herron said on “B1G Today”. “He is so explosive in open spaces, and Lincoln Riley is accustomed to getting playmakers in the open field. And when Zach Branch is there, man, you’re putting six on the board.”
"When Zach Branch is there, you're putting six on the board." 😤
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 19, 2024
Our guy @BigAntHerron provides his perspective on the @uscfb WR. #B1GFootball x #B1GToday pic.twitter.com/y3o5F2HfEm
Branch’s former teammate, Brenden Rice, had a successful 2023 season, reeling in almost 800 yards and 12 touchdowns. With the son of 49ers legend Jerry Rice off to the NFL, Branch is in line to fill his shoes after a season in which he averaged 10.7 yards per catch.
The Trojans have a new quarterback at the helm after Caleb Williams was selected No.1 overall in the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Miller Moss steps in after impressing many in a Holiday Bowl win over Louisville, throwing for a bowl game-record six touchdowns. If Moss can succeed in Riley’s offense, as we’ve seen previously, Branch could indeed be in line to put up big numbers this year.
