Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch was arrested on Sunday in Athens, Georgia. He is a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to kickoff on April 23.
Brach’s arrest came after the team’s annual G-Day spring scrimmage. He was taken to Clarke County Jail around 1:26 a.m. However, Branch was released about two hours later after paying a $39 bond.
According to police records, Branch was charged with two minor offenses. Firstly, obstructing public streets or sidewalks and secondly, not cooperating with a police officer.
The arrest happened few hours after head coach Kirby Smart urged players to be safe and be smart that night.
After playing for USC Trojans (2023-24), Branch transferred to Georgia for his junior season. He led the team with 81 receptions and set a school record for catches in a single season.
On March 18, Smart praised Branch during Georgia’s Pro Day.
“He meant a lot to learn our system and learn our terminology,” the coach said as per CBS Sports. “He is a football junkie. There is not a day I will leave the office that he is not down there catching balls, running routes, doing extra. He loves football, and that’s what one of the number one qualities for being a good pro is, is do you love it?”
Coming out of Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, NV) in the Class of 2023, he was a consensus five-star recruit and the no. 1 ranked wide receiver in the nation.
Zachariah Branch’s Combine Results and Scouting Report
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 177 lbs
Arm Length: 29 and three-eighths inches
Hand Size: 9″
40-Yard Dash: 4.35 seconds
Vertical Jump: 38″
Broad Jump: 10’5″
Scouting Report
Strengths:
Branch hits top speed almost instantly. His 10/10 acceleration grade makes him a nightmare in open space.
He is a “human joystick” as a return specialist. He brought immediate value to both USC and Georgia as a punt and kickoff returner.
In 2025, Branch averaged 7.97 yards after the catch per reception. He thrives on screens, jet sweeps, and quick slants where he can outrun angles.
He recorded a massive 2.79 Yards Per Route Run (YPRR) against man coverage, using his twitch to shake defenders off the line.
Weaknesses:
Branch’s weaknesses are with a small frame and 29 and three-eighths inches arms, he has a very limited “strike zone.”
He struggles in contested catch situations, converting only 38% of contested targets. His YPRR drops significantly against zone coverage (1.94).
Also, because of his small size, Branch is not very useful in run blocking and can take hard hits when safeties tackle him.
Mel Kiper Jr. has finalized his 2026 mock draft. According to ESPN’s report, he has placed Zachariah Branch with the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 53 overall.
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