USC Trojans Zion and Zachariah Branch land historic NIL deals with iconic brand

In Los Angeles, image and branding are everything. That's why USC has become one of the most well-known and glamorous football programs in America.

Now, two Trojans are taking it a step further by signing historic N.I.L. deals with the biggest brand in sports. Zion and Zachariah Branch have become the first college football athletes to ever ink a deal with the legendary Jordan Brand.

Zachariah, a sophomore wide receiver, and Zion, a sophomore safety, are both expected to be huge contributors to USC's success this fall.

Zion is coming off of back-to-back seasons in which a knee injury has limited his availability. In 2022, he tore his ACL and missed the entire season. Then, last year, he was able to make only nine appearances as his knee again proved to be an issue.

For his career, he's made 22 tackles with just one for loss. He's yet to register an interception or a pass defense but he has forced one fumble. This year, though, the belief is that he could be a major part of USC's defensive rebuild if he can stay healthy.

Zachariah has already done more than that, though. Last season, he was an All-American kick returner averaging 18.4 yards per kick return and 20.8 yards per punt return.

What's more, he was a contributor in the passing game by posting 31 catches and 321 yards. This year, as the team's starting slot receiver, he figures to have an increased role in the offense and many believe he will be a breakout offensive star.

Though this deal with the Jordan Brand will provide the Branch brothers with plenty of Jordan Brand apparel, they won't be sporting it on game days. USC has a team deal with Nike meaning that Zion and Zachariah won't be rocking Jordan gear on the field.

This is a unique N.I.L. opportunity for the brothers and it is proof of the power of the USC brand as the Trojans' place in the Los Angeles pop-culture scene had to play a role in this partnership. Furthermore, it is another sign of how the college sports landscape has changed thanks to N.I.L. opportunities for athletes.