Jett Washington, the nephew of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, is quickly making a name for himself as one of the most sought-after recruits in the college football Class of 2026. Hailing from Las Vegas, Washington has just kicked off his junior year at the prestigious Bishop Gorman High School and has already narrowed down his list of potential college destinations to seven top programs.
However, his recruitment journey is far from over. With nearly two years until he must make his final decision, Washington has until February 2026—likely during the Early Signing Period in December 2025—to choose his future home.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing 200 pounds, Washington is currently a safety, but some scouts believe his physical growth could eventually lead to a position switch to wide receiver. Regardless of where he plays on the field, his talent is undeniable. He’s currently ranked as the top football player in Nevada and among the top 100 players in the nation. So far, 21 schools have extended scholarship offers to the rising star.
Interestingly, despite his admiration for the USC Trojans—where he dreamed of playing and reuniting with his former high school teammate, Zachariah Branch—Washington has yet to receive an offer from them. Whether that changes as his recruitment progresses remains to be seen.
According to Adam Gorney of Rivals, Washington’s current top choices include Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Michigan. A trip to South Bend, home of Notre Dame, is a priority for him this fall. Notre Dame and Oregon, in particular, have caught his attention due to their rich football history. Washington’s interest in Notre Dame is further fueled by the school’s recent success in developing tall safeties like NFL All-Pro Kyle Hamilton.
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Last season, as a sophomore, Washington made his presence felt on the field with 37 tackles and two interceptions. His contributions helped lead Bishop Gorman to a perfect 12-0 record, a state championship, and a top-five national ranking, solidifying his reputation as a ball-hawking safety. In the season opener against Kahuku High School, Washington continued to showcase his skills, recording two interceptions in a dominant 33-7 victory.
Athleticism runs deep in Washington’s family. His father was a standout running back at the University of Virginia, leading the team in rushing as a senior in 1993. His mother, who played volleyball at Temple University, is the older sister of Kobe Bryant, making Jett a part of a sports dynasty that extends beyond the gridiron. Though basketball is also in his blood, football has become the path where he truly excels.
While Washington has yet to receive any offers to play basketball at the collegiate level, football appears to be his most likely route forward. Besides his top seven, other prominent programs like Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss have also expressed interest in securing his talents.
With another standout season, the list of offers will undoubtedly continue to grow.
Regardless of where he ultimately decides to play, Jett Washington is poised to carve out his own legacy, one that pays homage to his famous family while establishing his unique identity in the world of sports. Keep an eye on this rising star—Jett Washington is a name you won’t want to forget.
