USC football has a lot to be excited about following its week one victory over San Jose State, particularly concerning the performance of freshman receiver Zachariah Branch. Head coach Lincoln Riley in particular was impressed with Branch's performance, which was his first game in a USC football uniform.

“Thought he did a good job not trying to do too much, which guys in their first game sometimes will do,” said Riley, per ESPN. “The patience, especially on the return, was key. We talked about trust, and then going into this first game, he was a great example of that. He heavily impacted the game.”

Zachariah Branch made several highlight plays during his Trojan debut. Perhaps the most electrifying play came when he returned a kickoff 96 yards for a USC football touchdown.

He also hauled in a 25-yard touchdown reception as part of his 58 receiving yards.

Branch hails from Las Vegas, where he attended Bishop Gorman High School. It will be important that he establishes some synergy with quarterback Caleb Williams, fresh off of his 2022 Heisman Trophy win. Williams was equally impressive in the victory on Saturday, registering 278 yards and four touchdowns in the 28-point USC win.

Of course, the road will get tougher for Branch, Williams, and the Trojans as the season continues. Up next for USC football are home games against Nevada and Stanford before hitting the road to take on Arizona State on September 23.

If Saturday's performance is any indication, Branch will have established himself as a true breakout star by that point in the season.