Former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branchdelivered a standout performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Despite being one of the smaller prospects in the draft class, Branch demonstrated remarkable upper body strength.
Hecompleted 20 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press. This achievement is significant for a player who stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 177 pounds.
Insane: Georgia WR Zachariah Branch doing 20 bench reps is absolutely mad for a guy his size.
Branch is 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds.
🤯🤯🤯pic.twitter.com/FlBEFbjYZ9
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 3, 2026
The 2026 combine results showed that Branch possesses a rare combination of raw power and elite speed. Beyond his strength testing, he recorded a 4.35-second 40-yard dash. He also registered a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-5-inch broad jump.
These numbers earned him the sixth-highest athleticism score among all wide receivers in his class, according to Next Gen Stats.
Branch spent his final collegiate season with the Georgia Bulldogs after transferring from USC. During the 2025 season, he led the Georgia offense with 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns. His ability to maintain high strength levels while playing at a lighter weight has made him a unique prospect for professional scouts.
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch (WO09) reacts during the bench press drill at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch (WO09) reacts during the bench press drill at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
NFL analysts have noted that his physical metrics compare favorably with those of successful professional slot receivers. “He is one of the most explosive players in this draft class,” stated Mel Kiper Jr. during the draft evaluation process. His performance in Indianapolis has solidified his status as a likely second-round selection.
Scouts often worry about the durability of smaller receivers, but the bench press results suggest Branch has the physical foundation to handle professional contact. His high repetition count proves he dedicated significant time to the weight room during his year in Athens.
Branch enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a top-ranked specialist who can contribute as both a receiver and a returner. Teams looking for a reliable and explosive playmaker now view him as a premier option in the early rounds.
Georgia star Zachariah Branch enters the 2026 NFL Draft
Zachariah Branch moved from USC to Georgia in 2025. He became the best receiver in the SEC. He caught 81 passes during the season. This set a new record for the Georgia Bulldogs. Branch scored six touchdowns.
In November, he had 112 yards against Florida. He also helped Georgia beat Tennessee by catching a two-point conversion. His team won the SEC Championship against Alabama. Branch scored a touchdown in that game.
He played his final game in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2026. He announced he will go to the NFL Draft this year. At the NFL Combine, he ran 40 yards in 4.35 seconds. Experts think a professional team will choose him very soon.