Sources: USC star Branch game-time call vs. ND

Pete Thamel, ESPNOct 14, 2023, 07:30 AM ET

USC star receiver and kick returner Zachariah Branch is considered a game-time decision against Notre Dame on Saturday, sources told ESPN.

Branch, a true freshman, hasn’t played the past two games and has not been a full participant in practice this week because of an undisclosed injury.

USC coach Lincoln Riley framed Branch’s return this week as unlikely, as he indicated this week that Branch has been “making progress” toward returning, but would need to “make some jumps” in order to return.

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.

Branch did not dress for warmups the past two weeks, and any potential return would not be on a day where the forecast calls for rainy conditions.

Branch quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic players in college football, as he scored two receiving touchdowns and two special teams touchdowns in USC’s first four games.

Branch caught 13 passes for 178 yards in four games and is averaging 22.5 yards per punt return and 28.5 yards per kickoff return.

Branch has lived up to his decorated billing, as he entered the season as the country’s top wide receiver recruit and a top-10 overall in the ESPN recruiting rankings.