{"id":392168,"date":"2026-01-06T17:32:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T17:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/392168\/"},"modified":"2026-01-06T17:32:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T17:32:09","slug":"georgia-standouts-cj-allen-and-zachariah-branch-declare-for-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/392168\/","title":{"rendered":"Georgia standouts CJ Allen and Zachariah Branch declare for NFL draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

Georgia standouts CJ Allen and Zachariah Branch<\/a> became the latest Bulldogs to declare for the NFL draft on Monday.<\/p>\n

Branch announced his decision<\/a> on X, ending his tenure with the Bulldogs after one year. The wide receiver transferred to Georgia in 2025 alongside his brother, Zion, after spending his first two seasons at Southern California.<\/p>\n

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Branch quickly became quarterback Gunner Stockton’s go-to, finishing the season with a team-high 811 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He had one year of eligibility remaining.<\/p>\n

\u201cDAWG NATION, thank you for your unwavering support. You welcomed me with open arms. Having the opportunity to play between the hedges and winning the SEC Championship is a story only God could’ve written, and for that, I am forever grateful,\u201d Branch wrote.<\/p>\n

Allen also took his decision to social media<\/a> on Monday. The AP first-team All-American<\/a> spent all three years of his collegiate career in Athens and is similarly leaving behind one year of eligibility to pursue the NFL.<\/p>\n

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Allen anchored a dominant Georgia defense in 2025, leading the unit with 88 tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He also contributed 3.5 sacks for a loss of 15 yards, four passes defensed and earned AP first-team All-SEC<\/a> honors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis experience has played a major role in shaping me, not only as a player, but as a man, and has prepared me for this next step ahead,” the linebacker wrote. “With faith and purpose, and as this chapter comes to a close, I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL draft!\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Branch and Allen are viewed as top prospects in their positions.<\/p>\n

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The duo joins defensive tackle Christen Miller<\/a> on Georgia’s growing list of NFL hopefuls. Miller declared for the draft on Saturday.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here<\/a> and here<\/a> (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/ap-top-25-college-football-poll<\/a> and https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/college-football<\/a><\/p>\n

Maura Carey, The Associated Press<\/p>\n