Zakhari Franklin

Zakhari Franklin (born October 15, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver. He played college football for the UTSA Roadrunners, Ole Miss Rebels, and Illinois Fighting Illini.

Early life Franklin grew up in Cedar Hill, Texas and attended Cedar Hill High School. caught 23 passes for 687 yards and nine touchdowns. Franklin committed to play college football at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

College career Franklin began his college career playing for the UTSA Roadrunners He had 38 catches for 491 yards and three touchdowns during his freshman season. Franklin was named honorable mention All-Conference USA after catching 49 passes for 694 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore. He was named first team All-Conference USA at the end of his junior season after setting school records with 81 catches, 1,027 receiving yards, and 12 touchdown receptions. As a senior, Franklin reset his program records with 94 receptions for 1,136 yards and 15 touchdowns. After the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal and utilize the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played in the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Franklin ultimately transferred to Ole Miss.

Statistics

Year Team Games Receiving GP GS Rec Yards Avg TD 2019 UTSA 9 4 38 491 12.9 3 2020 UTSA 10 9 49 694 14.2 7 2021 UTSA 13 13 81 1,027 12.7 12 2022 UTSA 14 14 94 1,136 12.1 15 2023 Ole Miss 4 2 4 38 9.5 1 2024 Illinois 13 13 55 652 11.9 4 Career 63 55 321 4,038 12.6 42

Professional career

Las Vegas Raiders On May 9, 2025, Franklin signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent after going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft. He was waived on July 22.

Montreal Alouettes On February 25, 2026, Franklin signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL).