USC Brothers Zion, Zachariah Branch 1st CFB Players to Land Jordan Brand NIL Contract

Jordan Brand signed brothers Zion and Zachariah Branch to NIL contracts ahead of the 2024 season, making the USC players the first college football players in the brand's endorsement stable.

Zachariah, a wide receiver, and Zion, a safety, are both entering their sophomore seasons with the Trojans.

Zion was the No. 58 overall recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2022 season. Zachariah claimed bragging rights as the seventh-best player and No. 1 wideout in 2023.

Knee injuries have disrupted Zion's time in Southern California. A torn ACL caused him to miss all of 2022 and then he was limited to nine appearances in 2023 before his left knee proved troublesome again. As a redshirt freshman, he finished with 22 total tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble.

Zachariah, meanwhile, was a supporting player in the passing game as a true freshman. He was third on the team in receptions (31) and fourth in receiving yards (320). He should play a bigger role this year with Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice in the NFL.

The 5'10" wideout figures to be a valuable contributor in special teams after averaging 18.4 yards per kick return and 20.8 yards per punt return. His exploits as a return man earned him some All-American honors.

Don't expect the Branch brothers to be decked out in Jordan Brand gear when USC opens the season Sunday against LSU. Sportico's Eric Jackson noted the Trojans have a larger apparel contract with Nike that limits what their players can wear on the field.