BREAKING NEWS: Twin Defensive Ends Zion and Zachariah Branch Decommit from Southern California, Sign with Texas Longhorns
In a stunning twist to the college football recruiting world, twin defensive ends Zion and Zachariah Branch have officially decommitted from the University of Southern California (USC) and signed with the Texas Longhorns. The decision, which came after months of speculation, shocked many in the recruiting landscape, as the Branch brothers were previously considered USC commits, with Zion and Zachariah both being seen as cornerstones of the Trojans’ future defensive line.
The Branch brothers, who had been heavily recruited by major programs across the country, made their announcement after considering several top-tier schools, including Penn State, Nebraska, and others. The duo had built an impressive high school career, and with their remarkable skills and work ethic, they were highly coveted by college programs looking to add elite defensive talent.
A Family Decision
The Branch brothers, both standout athletes at their high school in California, had built their reputations as dominant defensive forces. Zion, a powerful edge rusher, has been known for his quickness, strong hands, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. Zachariah, his twin, is more versatile, able to play both defensive end and linebacker, utilizing his speed and agility to disrupt offenses. Together, they formed a formidable tandem that made them one of the most sought-after pairs in the 2025 recruiting class.
For the Branch family, the decision to leave USC after committing earlier was not taken lightly. “It’s been a long journey, and we appreciate all that USC has done for us,” Zion Branch said in an exclusive interview. “But we had to do what was best for us as individuals and as brothers, and we feel Texas is the right place for our futures.”
Zachariah echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We’re excited about this new chapter at Texas. Coach [Steve] Sarkisian and the entire staff have made us feel like a priority, and we see a bright future in Austin.”
Texas Longhorns Land Major Recruiting Win
The Texas Longhorns, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, have made a significant statement with this commitment. After a strong recruiting class in 2024, landing the Branch twins adds another layer of excitement to the Longhorns’ defensive strategy. The signing of two highly-rated defensive ends with potential to make an immediate impact on the field is a major boost for the program.
Coach Sarkisian was quick to praise the Branch brothers, calling them “elite talents with high character both on and off the field.” He added, “We believe Zion and Zachariah will fit perfectly into our defensive system. Their combination of skill, athleticism, and mentality is exactly what we look for in Longhorns.”
The Longhorns were in competition with several other top programs, including Penn State and Nebraska, but ultimately, the Branch brothers were swayed by the opportunity to play in Austin and the vision that Texas has for their future. Both schools had been in the mix for months, but Texas seemed to present the right combination of defensive development and a culture that resonated with the twins.
Impact on the Recruiting Landscape
The decommitment of the Branch twins from USC sends a shockwave through the college football recruiting scene. USC had been viewed as the front-runner for the brothers’ signatures, and their sudden departure has left a gap in the Trojans’ defensive plans.
For Texas, however, this move solidifies their position as one of the rising programs in the nation. With a continued emphasis on defense, the Longhorns are poised to make a major push for national prominence, and the addition of the Branch brothers only strengthens their ability to compete with the best in college football.
The Branch twins’ commitment is expected to be a game-changer not just for Texas, but also for the recruiting landscape at large, as it underscores the growing appeal of programs outside of traditional powerhouses like USC, Alabama, and Ohio State.
Conclusion
The decommitment of Zion and Zachariah Branch from USC and their subsequent signing with Texas Longhorns is a huge development in the 2025 recruiting cycle. With two top-tier defensive players now in the fold, Texas has strengthened its recruiting efforts and positioned itself for continued success on the national stage. This move also marks a shift in the dynamic of the recruiting world, as the Longhorns have successfully made a major splash. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the Branch brothers impact the Texas defense in the years to come.