Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Ducks Land Commitment From 5-Star Nephew of Kobe Bryant

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 11:47 PM ET

Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are bringing the Mamba Mentality to Eugene.

On Thursday night, 5-star safety Jett Washington, the nephew of the late Kobe Bryant, announced officially that he is committing to the Ducks and joining what is going to be a loaded secondary in Eugene.

Washington stands at 6-foot-5, 200 pounds, and is rated by 247Sports as the No. 18 player in the 2026 class, and the No. 2 safety in the nation.

This is a huge commitment for the Ducks, who are hoping to go on a hot streak in the recruiting world over the coming days and weeks. Last week, 4-star WR Messiah Hampton committed to Oregon, and while the Ducks were unable to land 5-star CB Brandon Arrington earlier in the day, the addition of Washington is certainly great for momentum.

On Friday, 5-star safety Joey O'Brien will make his commitment announcement with the Ducks and Notre Dame Fighting Irish among the two favorites, and then on Tuesday of next week, 5-star QB Ryder Lyons will decide between the Ducks and BYU Cougars. On top of that, 5-star Immanuel Iheanacho is expected to make his commitment soon, with Oregon at the top of his list as he takes an official visit to Eugene this weekend.

While Washington is a young player who won't arrive on campus until this winter, the secondary that he is joining will be among the best in the nation in the coming years. Last recruiting cycle, the Ducks added 5-star CBs Na'eem Offord and Brandon Finney, as well as 4-star CB Dorian Brew, and 5-star safety Trey McNutt. Now, with Washington in the mix as well, the Ducks should be among the nation's best when it comes to secondary play in the future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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