Kobe Bryant's nephew Jett Washington commits to Oregon football team

Jett Washington, the nephew of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has announced that he will play college football for Oregon.

The 17-year-old is considered one of the top NFL prospects in the class of 2026. He also visited Alabama and USC, while schools including Georgia, Michigan and Texas made offers for Washington.

But the five-star safety has decided to join the Ducks as he bids to emulate his uncle and reach the very top of sports.

Bryant enjoyed a Hall-of-Fame career with the Lakers, playing 20 seasons in Los Angeles and cementing himself as one of basketball's biggest stars.

But back in January 2020, at the age of just 41, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash.

Washington is the son of Bryant's sister, Sharia, and he is considered the No 2 safety in the class of 2026.

The 17-year-old has previously said it is 'special' to be related to Bryant and that he spends 'every day' trying to evoke the NBA legend's 'Mamba Mentality'. Washington joins the Ducks as the No 18 overall recruit. 

'I've built a great relationship with them,' Washington told 247Sports. 'I went up there for the Ohio State game last season, and it's a place I could see myself at. 

'My relationship with the coaches has been big. When you're there, you feel the energy. 

'It's everywhere inside that building and just being around coach Dan Lanning, he's a defensive head coach and always involved in the defense, so you know you're going to get development.'

Washington, who stands at 6ft 5ins, also played high school basketball for Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas.