Kobe Bryant's Nephew Jett Washington Commits to Oregon, 5-Star is No. 4 Safety in 2026

Oregon added a significant playmaker to its future secondary Thursday.

Hayes Fawcett of On 3 reported Jett Washington, who is the nephew of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, chose the Ducks over USC and Alabama. According to 247Sports' composite rankings, he is a 5-star prospect and the No. 29 overall player and No. 4 safety in the class of 2026.

Washington checks in at 6'5" and 200 pounds, and his combination of size and athleticism is the first thing that stands out about his game.

Andrew Ivins of 247Sports called him "a physical specimen with rare size and rare range that could be positioned over the top, in the box or in the slot" in a scouting report. That type of versatility will allow him to see the field early in his collegiate career, as he can help stop the run or play against tight ends and wide receivers in the aerial attack.

This is also an important addition for the Ducks, who have gotten off to something of a slow start on the recruiting trail in 2026.

Their class is ranked 28th in the country, per 247Sports' composite rankings, but there is plenty of time to improve that in the coming months. And if Thursday's recruiting win against one of the country's gold standards in Alabama is any indication, they will do just that.

Oregon brought in the No. 5 class in 2025 and will be right back in that territory if it continues to add elite recruits such as Washington.

Improving the secondary is also important for the Ducks if they are going to take the next step and win their first national championship in program history. While they went undefeated during the regular season in 2024 and took home the Big Ten title, their national championship dreams ended in part because of the secondary's failures.

Ohio State's Will Howard threw for 319 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the Buckeyes' College Football Playoff victory over Oregon.

Ideally for the Ducks, those secondary issues won't be as much of a concern once Washington arrives on campus.