EUGENE, Ore. June 19,2025
Ducks Land Coveted Safety Recruit
Washington chooses Oregon over Alabama and USC.
- Jett washington,a four-star safety,commits to Oregon.
- He is the No. 1 safety in the 2026 class.
- Washington is a nephew of the late Kobe Bryant.
The Oregon Ducks secured a major recruiting victory Thursday night, as Jett Washington, ESPN’s No. 1 safety in the 2026 class, committed to the program, choosing oregon over powerhouse contenders Alabama and USC.
A Recruiting Win for Lanning
Washington’s commitment is a significant boost for Oregon coach Dan Lanning, providing a much-needed win after missing out on several top-tier talents this spring. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound defender from Las Vegas is the nation’s No. 22 prospect and the highest-rated four-star recruit in the 2026 ESPN 300.
Last month saw Oregon fall short as finalists for five-stars Jackson Cantwell (No. 3 overall) and Jared Curtis (No. 5). Earlier on Thursday,five-star athlete Brandon Arrington (No.14) chose Texas A&M over the Ducks.
Washington’s Ties to Oregon
Oregon was among the first major programs to pursue Washington, alongside Alabama, last year. His connection with Oregon defensive backs coach Chris hampton gave the program an advantage.
“I have that grate time with [Hampton] and the coaching staff,” Washington said this month. “I loved the way they treated me out there. My relationship with them has been going the right way ever since I started talking to them.”
Did you know? Washington helped lead Bishop Gorman to a second consecutive Nevada Class 5A state basketball title earlier this year.
What makes Jett Washington a top prospect?
Washington is a third-year starter at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. During his junior season in 2024,he recorded 38 tackles and five interceptions. He is also the nephew of the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
- Position: Safety
- height: 6-foot-5
- Weight: 210 lbs
- High School: Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
- Ranking: No. 1 Safety (ESPN, 2026)
Impact on Oregon’s 2026 Class
Washington’s pledge makes him the top-ranked defender in Oregon’s 2026 class. He joins defensive tackles Tony Cumberland (No. 89 overall) and Viliami moala (No. 262) as ESPN 300 commits on defense for the Ducks.
Oregon’s Recruiting Outlook: Beyond Washington
Securing Jett Washington,the top-ranked safety in the 2026 class,is a big win for Oregon. But, what does this commitment mean for the overall trajectory of the Ducks’ recruiting efforts?
Finding top talent, especially in a competitive landscape, isn’t easy. The Ducks’ success relies on consistent high-level recruiting. They need to build momentum.
The Current State of Oregon’s 2026 Class
As of June 2025, the Oregon Ducks have a recruiting class that is taking shape.While the addition of Washington elevates the class,there is still work to be done.
- Commitment Numbers: Currently,the Ducks have secured commitments from 19 players for the 2025 season. [[2]]
- Team Ranking: The 2025 class currently places Oregon in the top 20 nationally. [[1]]
- Recent Losses The Ducks did lose Da’Saahn Brame and Josiah Sharma,who decommitted.These were setbacks, but the program will press on. [[3]]
Dan Lanning and his staff are working aggressively to build a class that contends for a top-10 finish nationally. This will require continued effort in identifying, evaluating, and successfully recruiting top prospects.
Key Recruiting Battles Ahead
Oregon’s coaching staff will focus on several key positions in the upcoming months.Finding players who fit the team’s culture and system is key.
- Offensive line: Securing commitments from elite offensive linemen is a top priority to protect the quarterback and open running lanes.
- Linebackers: Adding depth and talent at linebacker is crucial for a strong defensive unit.
- Wide Receivers: Providing the quarterback with a dynamic receiving corps is essential for offensive success.
What factors influence a recruit’s decision? Several factors come into play, from the coaching staff and the program’s history, to facilities and NIL opportunities.
What’s Next for Oregon Recruiting?
The commitment of Jett Washington is a positive step. But how can oregon build on this momentum? Here’s what to watch for:
- Official Visits: Hosting recruits for official visits allows
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