Vols Add Four-Star Forward Chris Washington Jr. to 2026 Class

Image: Bryce Thompson

By Aidan Sidoti
KNOXVILLE – After taking an official visit earlier this week to Rocky Top, four-star forward Chris Washington Jr. wasted little time as he announced his commitment to the Vols on Thursday afternoon. A former Alabama commit, Washington backed off his pledge to the Crimson Tide on Nov. 17 and now becomes the highest ranked recruit in Tennessee’s 2026 class.

Ranked No. 43 nationally and the top player in the state of Tennessee, Washington Jr. was one of the top uncommitted prospects left in the cycle. Originally from Murfreesboro, he starred at Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn (GA) and was offered by Tennessee on Jan. 12, with his visit to Knoxville earlier this week sealing the deal.

Washington Jr. becomes the fourth commitment in the 2026 cycle for Rick Barnes and Co., joining four-star forwards Ralph Scott and Manny Green along with Chicago point guard Marquis Clark.