The Oregon Ducks secured a marquee commitment Thursday night when four-star safety Jett Washington, the top-ranked player at his position in the 2026 class, announced his pledge to Dan Lanning’s program over Alabama and USC.
Standing 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, Washington is ranked No. 22 overall in the ESPN 300 and is the highest-rated four-star prospect in the 2026 cycle. The Las Vegas native, who stars at national powerhouse Bishop Gorman, becomes the centerpiece of Oregon’s class, trailing only five-star tight end Kendre’ Harrison (No. 11) among Duck commitments.
Washington’s commitment ends a tough recruiting stretch for the Ducks, who recently lost out on several elite prospects, including five-star offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell and quarterback Jared Curtis. Earlier Thursday, five-star athlete Brandon Arrington chose Texas A&M over Oregon in another tight race.
But Washington’s decision marks a turning point.
“Oregon was one of the first schools to really believe in me,” Washington told ESPN. “My connection with Coach [Chris] Hampton and the whole staff just kept getting stronger. They’ve always made me feel like a top priority.”
Washington produced 38 tackles and five interceptions during his junior season in 2024 and enters the fall as a three-year starter for a Bishop Gorman program that’s consistently among the nation’s best. He also helped the Gaels win back-to-back Nevada Class 5A state basketball titles, showing off elite two-sport athleticism.
Notably, Washington is the nephew of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, bringing added attention and star power to his recruitment.
What It Means for Oregon
Washington is now the top-ranked defender in Oregon’s 2026 class, and one of three ESPN 300 defensive commits, joining Tony Cumberland (No. 89) and Viliami Moala (No. 262). His versatility, size, and ball skills make him a candidate to play multiple roles in Lanning’s aggressive defensive scheme—whether as a deep safety, hybrid nickel, or even a rover.
Landing Washington not only gives Oregon a cornerstone in the secondary but also restores recruiting momentum heading into the summer visit window.
With six ESPN 300 commitments now on board, the Ducks continue to build a class that could finish among the nation’s elite—especially if Thursday’s win signals the start of a new trend in Eugene.
