USC football's offense has been on fire to start the 2023 season, thanks in large part to the superb play of Caleb Williams under center. Of course, Williams needs talented playmakers to get the football to, and one of his favorite targets is the explosive Zachariah Branch. The problem is that Branch has missed two straight games with an undisclosed injury, although Williams' play hasn't suffered as a result.

Branch got off to a hot start through four games, hauling in 13 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns, while also averaging 22.5 yards per punt return and 28.5 yards per kick return on the year. Branch's mysterious injury has caused him to miss the Trojans last two games, and while there was skepticism throughout the week that Branch would be able to return against Notre Dame, it sounds like he will be a game-time decision for this contest.

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) listens to the play calling on the sideline during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders blasts negative pre-draft rumors around Shedeur SandersPreston Byers ·
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) jumps into the arms of head coach Kenny Dillingham after the the Sun Devils upset the (16) Utah Utes 27-19 at Mountain America Stadium.
Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham makes ‘blue blood’ claim after 2024 successLorenzo J Reyna ·
Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin gives a thumbs up while walking off the field after the game of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Ole Miss defeated Duke 52-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin loses 2-way athlete armed with 22 offersLorenzo J Reyna ·
It's time that HBCU athletics leaders take inspiration from the NBA and look to innovate with their media rights.
HBCUs must innovate with sports media rights; use the NBA as inspirationRandall Barnes ·
Michigan Wolverines running back Hassan Haskins runs by Notre Dame defenders during the second half
Michigan football, Notre Dame finalists for 4-star DLScotty White ·
A Michigan Wolverines marching band color guard flag member carries the Michigan flag across the field before the Wolverines played against the Washington Huskies in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium.
Michigan football battling 3 CFP contenders for 4-star EDGEScotty White ·

“USC star receiver and kick returner Zachariah Branch is considered a game-time decision against Notre Dame on Saturday, sources told ESPN…Sources indicated that Branch has made the trip with the team to Notre Dame for the game and no official decision will be made until after pregame warmups.” – Pete Thamel, ESPN

This is a positive update for Branch, but again, given how little information we have on his injury, it's tough to tell how good of a shot he has to suit up against Notre Dame. The good news is that there's a chance Branch will be able to play, and his status bears watching as kickoff for this game draws near.