The D.C. Defenders re-signed offensive lineman Johari Branch on Thursday according to Michael Del Negro.
Johari Branch is six foot three and weighs 330 pounds. The 27-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, signed with the D.C. Defenders on March 3, 2025. In 2025, Branch appeared in 10 games, of which three were starts playing left guard, right guard, and center.
D.C. averaged 22.5 points per game, 98.9 rushing yards per game, 252.1 passing yards per game, 351 yards per game, and 27 touchdowns. The Defenders went on to win their first UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers 58-34.
The Los Angeles Chargers signed Branch as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. In 2023, he played three preseason games. The Chargers released him on August 29, 2023.
The Massachusetts Pirates (IFL) signed Branch on May 17, 2024. In 2024, Branch played seven games. Massachusetts averaged 41.26 points per game, 84.4 rushing yards per game, 135.37 passing yards per game, 219.8 total yards per game, 108 touchdowns, and allowed 11 sacks, finishing 10-9 for the season and appearing in the IFL National Championship Game against the Arizona Rattlers. Branch was named to the IFL All-Rookie Team and All-IFL Second Team.
Collegiately, Branch played two seasons at Eastern Illinois (2017-18), playing left guard in 10 games. In 2018, Eastern Illinois averaged 32.5 points per game, 136.5 rushing yards per game, 309.3 passing yards per game, 445.7 total yards per game, 44 touchdowns, and allowed 22 sacks, finishing 3-8 for the season.
Next, he transferred to Independence Community College in 2019, playing left guard in four games. Independence averaged 38.1 points per game, 251.3 rushing yards per game, 175.1 passing yards per game, 426.4 total yards per game, 45 touchdowns, and allowed 16 sacks, finishing 8-2 for the season and winning the Jayhawk Championship.
Then, he transferred to Maryland (2020-22), playing left guard and right guard in 30 games for the Terrapins. In 2022, Maryland averaged 28.15 points per game, 141.3 rushing yards per game, 259.85 passing yards per game, 401.2 total yards per game, 44 touchdowns, and allowed 43 sacks, finishing 8-5 for the season, beating N.C. State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
