Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch needed to showcase his speed on Saturday, and he did just that. Branch ran an official 40-yard dash time of 4.35 seconds, the third-fastest time among the first group of wide receivers, trailing Oklahoma’s Deion Burks (4.30) and Cincinnati’s Jeff Caldwell (4.31). Branch bested the time of Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette, who posted an official 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine on Friday.

According to NFL.com, Branch’s 10-yard split was 1.50 seconds. Additionally, he had a vertical jump of 38 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet and 5 inches.   Branch measured in at 5-foot-8.5 and 177 pounds. His arms measured 29 3/8 inches, with hands measuring 9 inches.

Zachariah Branch improves to a 4.36u on his second attempt 💨#NFLCombine on @nflnetwork #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/8WSZY6WaMS

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) February 28, 2026

After leading the nation in drops during the 2024 season, Georgia knew it had to add a dependable pass catcher in the offseason. The Bulldogs went to the transfer portal and landed Branch from USC, and did exactly that. In 14 games, Branch made 81 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns, with seven rushing yards, along with 20.5 yards per kickoff return and 12.07 yards per punt return. He was an All-SEC Second Team selection and Third Team selection at wide receiver and all-purpose player by the SEC Coaches. In the second quarter of the Sugar Bowl, Branch set the Bulldog single-season mark for receptions, breaking the record held by the late Brice Hunter (76 in 1993).

“That’s a blessing, man,” Branch said in the lead-up to the CFP quarterfinal of being in position to break the record. “I can only give credit all to God to be able to allow me to play the game that I love every single week in and out with a great team. I wouldn’t be able to do it without everybody on the offense as well. Coach [Mike] Bobo drawing up the plays, the O-line blocking, because if they don’t get their blocks, then I won’t be able to get the ball. And Gunner [Stockton] making the right reads, the other receivers doing the right things to be able to get me open as well, is something that’s really important for all of that to happen. And that’s a pretty cool opportunity to hear, for sure.”

Kirby Smart discussed Branch after the Week 14 win over Georgia Tech.

“Yeah, he’s a catalyst. I mean, you’re looking to get one all the touches you can, right?” Smart said. “Good things happen when he touches the ball, especially downfield. I’m really proud of his leadership, and that play on third down was huge. And again, probably the play of the game to catch that ball that he did over there.”

Branch arrived via the transfer portal from USC, where he finished the 2024 regular season tied for the team reception lead with 47 catches and was second with 503 yards, both career highs. He scored one touchdown.  Branch had a historic freshman season as the first true freshman first-team All-American in USC history. He was named as a returner after posting 24 kickoffs for 442 yards, a touchdown, and 15 punt returns for 309 yards and a score. He averaged 18.4 yards per kick return and 20.6 yards per punt return, which led the nation.