Georgia Bulldogs fans that also cheer for the Atlanta Falcons will be able to root for wide receiver Zachariah Branch at the next level. The Falcons drafted Branch with the No. 79 pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Branch is no stranger to playing in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He had exactly five receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown in both Georgia's rivalry win over Georgia Tech and in Georgia's SEC championship win over Alabama.
Branch brings explosiveness, quickness and the ability to turn a short catch into a big play for the Falcons. He has the talent to immediately be one of Atlanta's three starting receivers.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound receiver set Georgia's all-time single season receptions record in his lone season with the Bulldogs. Before coming to UGA, Branch played two seasons with the USC Trojans.
Extremely proud of you @zachariahbranch! You have been a joy to watch this past year, and I can’t wait to see what you do with @AtlantaFalcons GO DAWGS !! pic.twitter.com/F063vLBIib
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) April 25, 2026
"Extremely proud of you Zachariah Branch!" Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. "You have been a joy to watch this past year, and I can’t wait to see what you do with the Atlanta Falcons. GO DAWGS !!"
Stefanski calls Branch a player you can line up all over the field and someone who can contribute in the return game "which is no small thing." #Falcons
A dream come true for @zachariahbranch 🙌#GoDawgs | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/0rKAAiKpdf
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 25, 2026
Already found the end zone pic.twitter.com/MdBCz75iRv
— Mercedes-Benz Stadium (@MBStadium) April 25, 2026
Branch went 2-0 during the 2025 college football season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium including an SEC championship win.
We right back in the 🅰️🗣️Rise up, @zachariahbranch!! #GoDawgs | @excelfootball pic.twitter.com/XQmlmRP2rc
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 25, 2026
"Dawgnation, we back in Georgia!" Branch said. "Y'all tune in. I am very blessed for this opportunity!"
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Social media reacts after Falcons draft record-setting Georgia WR