Oregon Safety Jett Washington Turns Heads in Viral Practice Highlight

The nephew of the late NBA great Kobe Bryant just turned heads for the Oregon Ducks here.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks the field during an open practice ahead of the Orange Bowl at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon on Dec. 27, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Oregon Ducks watched safety Jett Washington take flight, literally.

Fans envisioned the five-star, per 247Sports, bringing a similar uncanny athleticism that his famed uncle, the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, delivered on the basketball court. Except Washington lured his uncanny traits over to Autzen Stadium and to coach Dan Lanning in signing with the Class of 2026.

Now Washington just fueled new energy for Oregon fans in a viral clip that surfaced Aug. 10.

Jett Washington's Unreal Interception Grab

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning takes the field with his team for warmups as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard

The 6-5 Washington arrived to Eugene anticipated to pluck footballs from the sky off his astonishing frame and veritcal leaping ability.

But now he's turned heads with this insane one-handed interception, using his massive right palm and four of his five fingers to softly pluck the football from the sky:

Jett Washington with an insane one had interception in practice 🤯 pic.twitter.com/acSgSVAff8

— Oregon Updates (@oregon__updates) August 11, 2026

Fans immediately rushed over to social media to rave about Washington, with one predicting that Washington will crack the starting lineup. Another predicted that the true freshman is bound to have top-five NFL Draft potential.

Chances Jett Washington Starts for Dan Lanning, Oregon

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning and Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti hold a joint press conference at the College Football Hall of Fame before the CFP semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Atlanta | Jason Parkhurst via Abell Images

Washington rose as the eighth-highest ranked signing for Oregon's 2026 class per Rivals. He also emerged as the state of Nevada's No. 1 prospect per 247Sports by starring for national powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas.

It wasn't his famed family member and Los Angeles Lakers icon that the national outlet compared Washington to, though. Andrew Ivins of 247Sports made Washington's game comparable to Seattle Seahawks star safety Nick Emmanwori, who emerged as one of the catalysts behind the franchise's Super Bowl win this past February.

Washington brings an extremely high ceiling, which leads to the belief he can start out of the gate. But this Oregon safety room is deep in talent, which lowers Washington's chances to start by Sept. 5 against Boise State. Plus, Lanning likely will lean into some prized transfers.

Former Minnesota safety Koi Perich is one who rises as the potential successor to Dillon Thieneman, who's off to the NFL. Perich becomes trusted for his experience but brings his own impressive leaping ability and closing speed that'll be needed to offset the loss of Thieneman. Lanning and defensive coordinator Chris Hampton also have returner Aaron Flowers back for his sophomore season, who broke up three passes and picked off a pass against Rutgers.

How Jett Washington Can Still Receive Action for Oregon

Oregon Ducks uniforms at the spring game | Bri Amaranthus

It's doubtful Lanning, Hampton and the Ducks will keep Washington on the sidelines for most of the fall season.

And it's not just limited to throwing out Washington during potential mop-up duty when the games are out of reach. The coaches will need Washington's mix of height, speed and leaping ability for when contests are on the line too. He'd rise as a strong third-and-long defender when teams want to go deep.

But the Ducks can become convinced to play Washington closer to the line of scrimmage and seal running lanes, due to Perich having up-and-down tackling consistency throughout his career with the Golden Gophers.

Regardless, Washington brings the type of athleticism that won't be caged up. This one-handed pick is proof of his potential and desire to rise as his own star.

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