One of the most highly ranked recruits by the Ducks recently revealed his new jersey number he'll wear at Oregon. It just so happens to pay tribute to his legendary uncle.
The Oregon Ducks remain one of the top football schools in the country year after year after year. One of the biggest reasons for this is that they're able to recruit phenomenal talent to Eugene.
The Ducks have had consensus top-five recruiting classes for the past three offseasons, and they don't look to stop. Between the success of the program that speaks for itself, them employing one of the top coaches in the sport in Dan Lanning, and as always, their ties with Nike, the recruiting train won't be slowing down anytime soon.
It's not even just collective talent or quantity over quality; they're landing some of the premier players in the entire country. Among those recruits they've been able to bring in, one name stands out not just for his ability, but for his family ties.
Safety Jett Washington is part of the 2026 class and will be making his way to Eugene this fall.
He's the number one safety in the country, which draws enough attention on its own, but when you find out his uncle is one of the most legendary athletes of all time, that draws even more attention.
Recently, Washington posted an Instagram story with his jersey number he'll be wearing at Oregon, and it's a clear homage to his late great uncle.
Jett Washington to Wear No. 24 in Honor of Uncle Kobe Bryant
Jett Washington is a 5-star athlete, and that speaks for itself, but when you're tied by family to one of the greatest athletes to ever live, that speaks volumes as well.
Luckily for Washington, his mom and dad never let that sort of pressure become to much for the young athlete.
In an article for The Athletic from 2024, Washington said, "Sometimes I feel a little bit of pressure (being his nephew), but my parents make sure I don't feel it too much. They tell me to just go out there and have fun, don't try to overthink, and just play."
With Bryant's tragic passing in 2020, Washington didn't get nearly the full amount of time or wisdom shared that I'm sure he wished he could have had. He did have this to say regarding his uncle's influence on him.
"My uncle was a great player. At the same time, I know he wanted me to make my own name. He laid the foundation for me. I'm just grateful."
Washington certainly got Kobe's size and Mamba Mentality. At 6'5 215lbs, Washington is a physical presence over the top at Bishop Gorman, and according to scouts, has only gotten more and more physical since coming onto the recruiting scene, becoming a "contact seeker".
People, myself included, can't wait to see him get to Eugene and maybe even make some noise as a true freshman. I'm sure throughout his career at Oregon, he'll do nothing but make his family proud, including his late great uncle.
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