Top NFL Draft pick Zachariah Branch arrested in Georgia on two misdemeanor charges

Former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch is facing 2 misdemeanor charges aft helium was arrested successful Athens aboriginal Sunday. The apprehension of the prima receiver comes conscionable days earlier helium is projected to beryllium a second-round prime successful this week’s NFL Draft. 

Branch, who turned 22 conscionable past month, was arrested by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and booked into the Athens-Clarke County Jail conscionable earlier 1:30 a.m. connected 2 charges. 

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates with wide receiver Colbie Young aft scoring a touchdown during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals astatine Caesars Superdome successful New Orleans, La., connected Jan. 1, 2026. Ole Miss defeated Georgia 39-34. (IMAGN)

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The erstwhile Bulldogs prima was charged with obstructing nationalist sidewalks/streets – prowling and obstruction of a instrumentality enforcement officer. He was released aft much than 2 hours successful jailhouse aft posting $39 successful bonds. 

ESPN reported that Branch attended Georgia’s outpouring crippled connected Saturday. His brother, Zion Branch, is simply a information for the squad aft some transferred determination successful 2025.

Branch transferred aft 2 seasons astatine Southern California and instantly became backmost Gunner Stockton’s favourite target. He finished the play with a team-high 811 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch runs during the NFL Scouting Combine astatine Lucas Oil Stadium successful Indianapolis, Ind., connected Feb. 28, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

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In January, helium announced his plans to state for the draft.

"DAWG NATION, convey you for your unwavering support. You welcomed maine with unfastened arms. Having the accidental to play betwixt the hedges and winning the SEC Championship is simply a communicative lone God could’ve written, and for that, I americium everlastingly grateful," helium wrote successful a connection shared connected societal media.

Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates aft a touchdown drawback against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets successful the 2nd 4th astatine Mercedes-Benz Stadium successful Atlanta, Ga., connected Nov. 28, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

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Branch’s presumption arsenic a projected second-round prime was bolstered aft an awesome showing astatine the combine, wherever helium clocked a 4.35 40-yard dash.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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