Oregon announced that freshman defensive back Jett Washington will wear No. 24 this season, honoring his late uncle, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Washington revealed the jersey choice through an Instagram story this week as the Ducks prepare for spring practices.
The number carries special meaning for the Bishop Gorman High School graduate. Bryant wore No. 24 during the second half of his Hall of Fame NBA career.
Washington is the son of Sharia Bryant Washington, Kobe’s sister and a former Division I volleyball player at Temple.
Bryant died in a helicopter crash in 2020 along with his daughter Gianna and seven others.
Oregon freshman DB Jett Washington honors his late uncle, Kobe Bryant, by wearing No. 24 for the Ducks pic.twitter.com/5Fu6od6qqe
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 12, 2026
The 6-foot-5 safety was rated the No. 1 safety and No. 23 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports. He chose Oregon over Alabama and USC.
Washington’s recruitment drew national attention throughout his time at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. The five-star prospect initially played both sides of the ball before focusing on defense.
His elite range and athleticism made him one of the nation’s most coveted recruits.
The Bryant connection has followed Washington throughout his football career. Now at Oregon, he’ll carry that legacy in a visible way.
The jersey choice reflects Washington’s desire to channel the competitive mindset that defined Bryant’s career. That “Mamba mentality” continues to influence athletes across sports.
