(BCSNN) — Four-star safety Jett Washington, one of the most coveted defensive backs in the 2026 recruiting class, announced his commitment to the University of Oregon on Thursday night, choosing the Ducks over perennial powerhouses Alabama and USC.

Washington, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound standout from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, is ranked as the No. 1 safety in the ESPN 300 and the No. 18 overall prospect nationally by 247Sports. His decision marks a major recruiting win for Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, whose program had recently missed out on several top-tier recruits.

The nephew of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, Washington has carved out his own athletic legacy. He recorded 38 tackles, five interceptions, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble during his junior season, helping lead Bishop Gorman to a Nevada 5A state championship. He also starred on the basketball court, contributing to back-to-back state titles and scoring 21 points in the 2025 championship game.

Washington cited his strong relationship with Oregon’s coaching staff, particularly defensive backs coach Chris Hampton, as a key factor in his decision. “I loved the way they treated me out there,” Washington told ESPN. “My relationship with them has been going the right way ever since I started talking to them”.

Oregon was among the first programs to offer Washington a scholarship and hosted him on multiple visits, including a recent official visit that replaced a planned trip to Ohio State. Other top programs that extended offers included Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee, and Texas.

With Washington’s commitment, Oregon now boasts one of the most promising defensive hauls in the 2026 cycle. He joins fellow ESPN 300 defenders Tony Cumberland and Viliami Moala, and becomes the highest-ranked defensive pledge in the class. His versatility and size make him a potential game-changer in the Ducks’ secondary for years to come.