Pete Thamel
Max Olson
Max Olson
ESPN Employees Author
Covers the Large 12Joined ESPN in 2012Graduate of the College of Nebraska
USC star extensive receiver Zachariah Department and security Zion Department plan to enter the NCAA switch portal, the brothers confirmed to ESPN.
Zachariah and Zion are former top-100 recruits who’ve two extra seasons of eligibility remaining. They’re anticipated to be among the many most coveted gamers within the portal as soon as they formally enter, and they’re anticipated to decide on their subsequent college collectively.
Zachariah — who has a “no-contact” tag, which usually means a call has already been made — earned first-team All-America honors throughout his freshman season with the Trojans in 2023 whereas rising as one of many prime all-purpose playmakers within the faculty soccer. Department earned these honors for his efforts as a kick returner, delivering 774 return yards and two touchdowns throughout his debut season. He earned the Jet Award for the nation’s prime returner and is USC’s first true freshman All-American.
“The choice to maneuver on was a tricky determination,” Zachariah advised ESPN. “I like USC! The hospitality and the love I acquired from everybody whereas being there was nice. I simply really feel like embarking upon a brand new journey is what’s finest for my future.”
The speedy 5-foot-10, 175-pound receiver caught 78 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 87 yards and one other landing throughout his two seasons in USC coach Lincoln Riley’s offense. He tied for the group lead in receptions this season with 47.
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Zion, his older brother, endured season-ending accidents in 2022 and 2023 earlier than returning to play all 12 video games this season for the Trojans. The redshirt sophomore security recorded 19 tackles, 3 move breakups and 1 sack in a reserve position.
“The choice to maneuver on was not a simple one,” Zion advised ESPN. “I actually respect the whole lot throughout my time at USC. From the relationships I constructed to the help I acquired on and off the sphere has been superb. It has been a spot the place I grew as an individual and as a participant. Nevertheless, I imagine that getting into a brand new alternative is what’s finest for my improvement and future targets.”
The brothers joined the Trojans after starring at Bishop Gorman Excessive College in Las Vegas. Zachariah was the No. 7 total recruit within the ESPN 300 for 2023, and Zion was the No. 76 total recruit in 2022.
“I’m in search of a college that may assist develop me, not solely as a student-athlete, however assist me develop as an individual as effectively,” Zachariah mentioned. “Someplace that may enable me to organize myself for the subsequent stage. I need to be surrounded by like-minded people who’re chasing the identical targets.”
USC has had 14 scholarship gamers enter the switch portal on the conclusion of its 6-6 common season and now should substitute one other prime receiver after dropping Duce Robinson and Kyron Hudson earlier this month. Hudson dedicated to Penn State on Monday. Miller Moss, their former beginning quarterback, additionally opted to switch and signed with Louisville.
The Trojans will shut out their season in opposition to Texas A&M within the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 27 (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Department brothers usually are not going to play in that recreation.
“I am in search of a program that may problem me to develop each on the sphere and in life,” Zion added. “I need to be in an setting the place I can proceed to develop as a student-athlete, push my limits and put together for the subsequent stage. Being surrounded by teammates and coaches who share the identical drive and dedication will assist all of us push one another to achieve our full potential.”
