Zachariah Branch: The Explosive Weapon Alabama Needs To Limit

The Georgia Bulldogs gained an elite weapon in junior wide receiver Zachariah Branch when he joined the team for the 2025 season. He currently leads the Bulldogs in receiving yards with 181 yards.

Get our free mobile app

In Week 3, the Bulldogs narrowly defeated the Tennessee Volunteers. In the 44-41 victory,  Branch played a key role, catching a team-high five passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. He also caught the two-point conversion to force overtime.

Both of Branch's touchdowns came on short screen passes that he turned into 30-plus- yard scores. Additionally, Branch reached a top speed of 21.4 mph on his 36-yard touchdown in Week 3, demonstrating his speed and ability to separate from defenders.

Branch's speed and versatility can often leave most watching him race down the field for first downs or touchdowns. His 181 yards across three games prove this, and he will undoubtedly play a significant role in this Saturday's matchup between No. 5 Georgia and No. 17 Alabama.

Branch offers a fresh, new offensive dimension that will test the Crimson Tide defenders. Given that Branch was not part of the Georgia team that lost to Alabama last year, the Bulldogs will likely design plays that will benefit Branch's abilities while trying to disrupt Alabama's game plan.

On Tuesday, veteran linebacker Deontae Lawson told reporters what he's observed from Branch on film. "Branch is explosive. I think he has all their [Georgia] explosive plays this year, and he definitely was very explosive at USC last year. You can't let him get going; you got to stop him in his tracks because if he gets going, it can be a big play. So we [Alabama] want to limit that," Lawson said.

Lawson's veteran presence will be crucial in limiting the Bulldogs, especially a veteran player like Branch. Additionally, Lawson currently leads Alabama defenders in tackles with 10.

This Saturday's matchup will be another showdown between Alabama and Georgia, and as with each meeting, it will bring a unique playing style and chaos.