5 best available players in the portal Texas can target

Wideout and defensive line are two key positions Texas is still seeking in the winter transfer portal window in late December.

KC Concepcion
KC Concepcion | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
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Zachariah Branch
Zachariah Branch | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Zachariah Branch, WR (USC)

Former USC Trojans sophomore transfer wide receiver Zachariah Branch is on Texas's radar in the winter portal window for the past week. The No. 1 rated transfer wide receiver, according to 247Sports, registered 823 receiving yards and four total touchdowns since 2023 for the Trojans.

In 2023, Branch picked up a 75-yard punt return touchdown against Stanford and an 86-yard kick return touchdown against San Jose State.

Branch was named a USA Today First-Team All-American as a returner on special teams. He also received Freshman All-American honors as a receiver/return specialist and a First-Team All-Pac-12 returner on special teams.

Branch is one of the most dangerous and elusive returners and receiving threats in the country. He led the Big Ten in yards after catch/reception (8.3) in 2024 (per PFF). In three games in 2024, Branch had a career-high six catches against the Michigan Wolverines (98 receiving yards), Washington Huskies (career-high 102 receiving yards), and Nebraska Cornhuskers (44 receiving yards, 1 TD).

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