BREAKING NEWS: Twin Defensive Ends Zion and Zachariah Branch Decommit from South Carolina, Sign with Ohio State
In a shocking development, twin defensive ends Zion and Zachariah Branch have officially decommitted from the University of South Carolina and signed with Ohio State. The highly-rated prospects, who had previously committed to the Gamecocks in 2024, made their new commitment to the Buckeyes earlier today, sending ripples through the college football recruiting world.
The Branch twins, known for their explosive speed and dominant play on the defensive line, had been considered among the top recruits in the 2025 class. Their decision to flip to Ohio State marks a major coup for the Buckeyes, who have quickly become a powerhouse in recruiting, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
This unexpected shift is sure to bolster Ohio State’s already stacked defense as they look to continue their tradition of producing elite NFL talent. For South Carolina, the loss of the Branch brothers is a blow to their recruiting efforts, especially as they were considered foundational pieces in their upcoming class.
With their signing, Zion and Zachariah join a highly competitive defensive front at Ohio State, where they’ll look to contribute immediately. As the story continues to develop, all eyes will be on the impact this move has on the college football recruiting landscape.