Tennessee Basketball Target Chris Washington Jr. Sets Commitment Date

Four-star small forward to announce college decision this week

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:19pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in navy, orange, and red tones depicts the dynamic action of a basketball game, representing the high-stakes recruitment of star prospect Chris Washington Jr.A cubist illustration captures the competitive spirit as top recruit Chris Washington Jr. nears his college decision.Murfreesboro Today

Chris Washington Jr., a highly-touted 2026 four-star small forward and Tennessee basketball target, has set a commitment date for later this week. Washington will announce his college decision on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with the Vols, Ole Miss, Auburn, Villanova and USC as his finalists.

Why it matters

Landing Washington would be a major recruiting win for Tennessee, as he is ranked the No. 49 prospect in the 2026 class by Rivals. The Vols are looking to build on their 2026 signing class, which currently ranks No. 37 overall and No. 8 in the SEC.

The details

Washington, a 6-foot-8, 185-pound forward from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, previously committed to Alabama before reopening his recruitment. He is scheduled to visit Tennessee this week as the Vols make a late push to add him to their 2026 class.

  • Chris Washington Jr. will announce his college decision on Thursday, April 17, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • Washington is scheduled to visit Tennessee this week.

The players

Chris Washington Jr.

A 2026 four-star small forward and Tennessee basketball target, ranked the No. 49 prospect in his class by Rivals.

Tennessee Volunteers

The college basketball program that is recruiting Chris Washington Jr. and looking to add him to their 2026 signing class.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee got back into Washington's recruitment and worked on scheduling a visit during the season, but the timing did not work. He will visit this week instead as the Vols work to add to their roster.”

— Grant Ramey, Author

What’s next

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The takeaway

Landing a top-50 recruit like Chris Washington Jr. would be a major boost for Tennessee's 2026 recruiting class as they look to build on their current group of commitments. The Vols will have one final chance to impress Washington during his visit this week before he announces his college decision.