Jett Washington is quickly wrapping up his recruitment saga this spring. The five-star safety from Las Vegas, Nevada, garnered significant attention when he made the decision to transition into the collegiate era. He’s taking back-to-back trips to the campuses, introspecting on the nitty-gritty of his projected future in a comparative light. The USC Trojans and the Crimson Tide have already had their chance to swoop him in after his recent visits to Lincoln and Tuscaloosa, respectively.

But another top favorite on the list, the Big 10 powerhouse, topped them all after leaving the best impression on the kid following their epic Ohio State beatdown back in the fall. They will be up again to host Washington shortly on their campus. Expect nothing but an early heartbreak for Lincoln Riley and Kalen DeBoer.

Dan Lanning has the ball in his court. The Ducks are in the mix to land the top safety in the 2026 cycle. Carrying the elite Kobe Bryant genes, Washington bragged about nearly 30 offers from top-tier programs. But he keeps Alabama and Oregon as his top two choices after a relentless surge. Talking about the Ducks, Jett told ON3, “It was a very good visit and overall experience for me and my family. I got to watch practice, see the scrimmage, meet with the coaches, and see the campus.”

He was referring to his first visit to Oregon, where he got the chance to see and analyze their scrimmage and got a close look at the culture and environment. “Talking with Coach Hamp (Chris Hampton), watching the team scrimmage, and just getting a feel for the environment were things that stood out to me,” the key defensive anchor out of Nevada continued, putting the Ducks on a pedestal. As per the sources, he is looking to fix another official visit with Coach Lanning. The date is uncertain, but the Ducks have a distinct advantage right now.

Coach Hampton played the pivotal role in Washington’s long-lingering pursuit. During the visit, both Dan Lanning and Hampton were on their toes while interacting with the QB and his immediate family members. They know the competitors are raising their stock. Make one mistake and risk lowering your chances to skip on one of the most coveted safety from high school. “They were all telling me where they see a fit for me in their scheme and what it’s like at Oregon,” Washington voiced his contentment with how the Ducks treated him on his first visit to Eugene.

However, it’s not about the treatment that denotes how badly they want him to sign the franchise; it’s about how they have built a culture based on loyalty in this tumultuous era of NIL. Dan Lanning, the ultimate cornerstone of the Oregon Ducks, heading into his fourth year, was a heck of an inspiration for the elite recruits like Washington. The loyalty speaks to the authenticity they provide inside the school. “The stability of the coaching staff. I think they just signed a new contract, and just kind of knowing that they like being there, they don’t really want to be anywhere else,” Washington told On3’s Max Torres.

But take it slow, folks! He seems to be equally invested in the other two hot favorites on his list. The recent visits made him quite at a crossroads before taking a final call.

USC and Alabama are giving a hard time to Coach Lanning 

Alabama has long been known for its tradition of generating high-octane defenders under the GOAT Nick Saban. The legend left the building but left history in every inch of the program, convincing talents to take a dime. “Alabama left a very lasting impression on me and my family. What stood out to me the most was the people in the building. I also liked the history of the program and what they produce,” Washington told On3 about his first visit with the Crimson Tide.

He is certainly looking for a second trip to Tuscaloosa. But again, the Trojans have been on a stretch as well. In fact, he made his first visit to Southern California before Alabama. He’s overwhelmed by the hospitality of Coach Riley and Coach Doug Belk during his March visit. The USC Trojans are currently boasting the No. 1 2026 recruiting class, but that doesn’t mean they won’t push the hardest to secure one of the most touted defensive anchor on the board.

The new general manager, Chad Bowman, is a go-getter who does not like to sit back and let the wind flow. He is there to snatch everything he wants for the program to bring it back to glory. Riley is a visionary as well. So, they tend to go high on Washington. If they can reel in Washington, he will join another West Coast defender, Malik Brooks, in the lineup. But again, Alabama’s good yet winning culture can be a jackpot in turning the tables in their favor. Let’s watch out for an absolute cinema!