Oregon Ducks Favorites To Land 5-Star Recruit Jett Washington, Kobe Bryant's Nephew

The Oregon Ducks are looking to add to their 2026 recruiting class with five-star safety Jett Washington. The nephew of the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, Washington has also received offers from Texas, Ohio State, Georgia and more.

Nov 14, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. The Spurs defeated the Lakers 93-80. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Oregon Ducks are reportedly among the leaders for one of the top defensive players in the 2026 recruiting class.

Per On3's Steve Wiltfong, the Ducks are "one of the favorites" five-star safety Jett Washington, who is a product of prestigious Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas and the No. 2 safety in 247Sports' 2026 recruiting rankings.

A multi-sport athlete, basketball runs in Washington's family, as he's the nephew of the late-great NBA legend Kobe Bryant. His mother in Bryant's older sister, Sharia Washington.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning oversees his team as the Fighting Ducks face off against Mighty Oregon in the Oregon Ducks spring game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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The five-year anniversary of Bryant's tragic death came on Jan. 26. He played all 20 of his NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships during that span. Bryant is fourth on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 33,643 points and was a global icon for the sport before and after his untimely death.

If Washington commits to Oregon, he'll undoubtedly bring an extra bit of hype to the Ducks' 2026 recruiting class due to both his impressive talent and family ties.

Washington has upcoming official visits set with Alabama (May 30) and Oregon (June 13). He's also taken an unofficial visit to USC this past March. He's received offers from the best programs in college football, highlighted by Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Arizona State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Texas A&M and many more.

The Texas Longhorns visited Washington in Las Vegas this past February at one of his basketball games. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning visited Washington as well.

Dec 12, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) walks up court against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

Here's some of what Ivins said about Washington on 247Sports' scouting report:

"A physical specimen with rare size and rare range that could be positioned over the top, in the box or in the slot," Ivins wrote. "Constantly found ways to impact games as he chewed up turf and got to the catch point. ... Might not always be the most fluid with his transitions, but can recover from false steps with excellent deep speed and use his length to blanket target windows like few others."

During the 2024 season, Washington was named the MaxPreps Nevada Player of the Year and a MaxPreps Junior All-American. He ended the year with 38 tackles, one forced fumble, two pass breakups and five interceptions.

Oregon's 2026 class currently consists of commitments from four-stars like tight end Kendre Harrison, linebacker Tristan Phillips, running back Tradarian Ball, defensive lineman Tony Cumberland and three-stars like edge Dutch Horisk, safety Xavier Lherisse and defensive lineman Villiami Moala.

Oregon begins its 2025 season at Autzen Stadium on Aug. 30 against the Montana State Bobcats. The Ducks will then host the Oklahoma State Cowboys of the Big 12 on Sept. 6 before the Big Ten regular-season opener on the road against Northwestern on Sept. 13. Oregon will close out non-conference play against the rival Oregon State Beavers before continuing the rest of their Big Ten schedule.