The USC Trojans discovered last week they were in the mix for a family member of Kobe Bryant. The late NBA legend's nephew Jett Washington included the Trojans on his final list of college football options.
Where do things now stand between USC and the No. 1 prospect in Nevada for 2026? Recruiting insider for 247Sports Tom Loy dropped an update there on Wednesday night.
The towering 6-foot-5 defensive back has 11 universities he's thinking of. Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame are among the three also pursuing the Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas star. But Loy revealed that USC's pursuit of Washington is taking a new turn.
"From that list, I'd keep a close eye on USC," Loy wrote in his in-depth recruiting update report.
This sounds promising for Trojan fans. Let alone L.A. sports fans who watched the "Black Mamba" deliver countless of iconic moments in the City of Angels. USC has a chance to lure in someone from Bryant's family tree and add a new L.A. legacy.
Loy, though, added that Washington isn't rushing a decision just yet.
"He also has interest in Michigan and Texas. In all reality, this one has a long way to go and he has plenty of visits to still take," Loy said.
Washington ranks as a five-star through 247Sports composite rankings. He's also the nation's No. 3 ranked safety nationally. But he stands alone as the Silver State's top overall prospect.
Washington holds offers from 30 different universities. USC is the only California university that made his final cut. He's also entering his fourth season at the varsity level for the national prep powerhouse in Vegas.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder is lauded for his versatility on defense. National recruiting analyst Greg Biggins highlighted that Washington has bounced between safety, linebacker, edge rusher while also lining up at wide receiver on offense.
Related: USC Lands in Top Schools List for Nephew of Kobe Bryant
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This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 2:22 PM.