BREAKING NEWS: Twin Defensive Ends Zion Branch and Zachariah Branch Decommit from South Carolina, Sign with Alabama Crimson Tide Over Penn State, Nebraska, and More
In a stunning turn of events, top-ranked defensive ends Zion Branch and Zachariah Branch have officially decommitted from the University of South Carolina and signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide, leaving fans and analysts alike in disbelief. The twin defensive linemen, who were previously committed to the Gamecocks for over a year, announced their decision earlier today, dramatically reshaping the future of both the SEC and the recruiting landscape.
The Branch brothers, known for their exceptional speed, power, and high football IQ, were among the most coveted defensive recruits in the 2025 class. They had been steadfast in their commitment to South Carolina, making the sudden decommitment a shock to many. Their decision to join Alabama, one of the most successful programs in college football history, adds to the already loaded defensive line for the Crimson Tide and presents a significant blow to South Carolina’s recruiting efforts.
The brothers’ recruitment had been a topic of intense speculation in recent weeks. While South Carolina had long been seen as the frontrunner, multiple other powerhouse programs had been vying for their signatures, including Penn State, Nebraska, and several others in the SEC. The late surge from Alabama, led by head coach Nick Saban and his renowned defensive coaching staff, proved to be the deciding factor.
Zion Branch, a 6’4″, 275-pound defensive end, and Zachariah Branch, a 6’5″, 280-pound pass rusher, are widely regarded as one of the best defensive line tandems in recent memory. Their dominance at the high school level has earned them numerous accolades, and both players are expected to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Zion is known for his explosiveness off the edge, while Zachariah’s power and relentless pursuit of the quarterback have made him one of the most feared pass rushers in the nation.
Alabama’s defense has been a cornerstone of its success under Saban, and the addition of the Branch brothers only strengthens the Tide’s already formidable defensive line. Many analysts believe that with the Branch twins in tow, Alabama’s defense will be even more dominant in the coming seasons, putting them in a prime position for another College Football Playoff run.
South Carolina, which had hoped to anchor its defensive line with the Branch brothers, is now left scrambling to fill a critical void. The Gamecocks had invested heavily in the twins, hoping they would be key building blocks for the future of the program. South Carolina’s coaching staff will now need to refocus their efforts on other top recruits as they attempt to recover from this unexpected setback.
For Penn State and Nebraska, who were also heavily involved in the recruiting process, the news is equally disappointing. Both programs had made significant pushes to land the Branch brothers, but ultimately fell short against Alabama’s pedigree and late momentum.
As the dust settles, Alabama has undoubtedly added two future stars to its roster, setting the stage for an even brighter future in Tuscaloosa.
