Zachariah Branch’s success already aiding in USC recruiting

The on-field success has been immediate for former Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Zachariah Branch. It was expected he have a strong role early in his career but even three touchdowns in his first two games seems likely wasn’t a prediction many had. His name has already become spoken by many around college football.

After his breakout in the season opener, I said a few times I thought his success might lead to some recruiting advantages with a freshman balling out the way he did.

Well, that influence came a little earlier than I think anyone expected. USC landed a commitment on Saturday night from 2026 Los Alamitos wide receiver Ja’Myron Baker. And one of the main reasons he committed was Zachariah Branch’s immediate success as a freshman.

“Being able to see what Zachariah Branch is able to do as a freshman while being able to play at home. It’s a match made in heaven that I prayed about,” Baker said following his commitment.

Baker went to Twitter to announce his commitment at 8 PM CT. That post came just two hours after he watched Branch score a touchdown on the first drive of the Nevada game.

It’s likely that post was going to happen regardless of that touchdown, but it is also possible that touchdown itself helped spark his inspiration to get his commitment graphic made and announce his decision. I personally like to think it was a “alright I’ve seen enough” moment for Baker.

Branch not the only freshman as an influence for Baker

If you follow USC recruiting closely, you have probably already made the connection that Los Alamitos is also the school that USC signed highly touted freshmen quarterback Malachi Nelson and wide receiver Makai Lemon out of.

As a freshman at Los Alamitos, Baker reeled in 32 receptions for 494 yards and five touchdowns. Those passes were thrown by Nelson and alongside Lemon, who was the primary playmaker.

Baker still has a few years before his time at USC will come but there is a chance Nelson will be the starting quarterback when he arrives. Another possible option is USC five-star quarterback commit JuJu Lewis, who is currently in 2026, but could jump to 2025.

No matter what, Baker will have an elite quarterback at the helm. This was another reason he committed.

“Lincoln Riley is the quarterback whisperer and will always have a great QB to get the ball to his receivers,” he told WeAreSC.

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