Zachariah Branch Declares for 2026 NFL Draft, Where Does Georgia WR Rank on Big Board?

One of the top wide receivers in college football is heading to the NFL draft.

Georgia's Zachariah Branch has declared for the NFL draft after one season with the Bulldogs and two years at USC.

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department considers Branch to be the No. 49 overall player and the ninth-ranked receiver in this year's draft class.

Branch was one of the most highly-touted prospects in the class of 2023. Per 247Sports' composite rankings, the 5-star prospect was considered to be the No. 5 overall player and the top receiver in his class.

The first two seasons of Branch's career were a bit disappointing as he recorded 823 yards and three touchdowns in his time with USC, but he made a major leap after joining the Bulldogs.

In his sole season at Georgia, Branch led the SEC in receptions (81), had the 12th-most yards (811) and had the 10th-most touchdowns (6). His 81 receptions are also a school record for the most in a single season.

Branch's impact was also felt on special teams, as he recorded 205 kickoff return yards and 180 punt return yards.

He was Georgia's leading receiver by nearly 500 yards and was a big reason why the Bulldogs won a conference title and reached the College Football Playoff.

Branch's head coach, Kirby Smart, sung praises about the wide receiver ahead of the Bulldogs' matchup against Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl.

"The things that impressed me the most is his love for the game and his love for football," Smart told reporters. "I wouldn't say that I didn't think he had it, but some guys that are so highly touted, they don't really buy into the culture and the work ethic that we have. He's never flinched. He's like, Coach, I want to be part of that."

Branch and Georgia hoped to compete for a championship this season, but fell a few games short. He'll now look to perform well in the scouting combine to prove he has what it takes to play at the next level.