In a stunning development that sent shockwaves through the college basketball recruiting landscape, the nation’s No. 1 overall basketball prospect, Jalen Washington, announced his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners over fellow powerhouses Alabama and Texas Tech. The five-star phenom out of Duncanville, Texas, had been the subject of an intense recruiting battle for the past year, and his decision to pledge his talents to the Sooners marks a monumental victory for head coach Porter Moser and the entire Oklahoma program.
The announcement came via a nationally televised segment on ESPN, where Washington, flanked by his family and high school coaches, revealed his decision by unzipping a jacket to reveal a crimson Oklahoma jersey beneath. The packed gymnasium at Duncanville High erupted in applause, marking a significant moment not only for the Sooners but for the trajectory of Washington’s burgeoning career.
Who is Jalen Washington?
Jalen Washington is not your average five-star recruit. Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 215 pounds, the versatile forward possesses a combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ rarely seen in a high school player. Ranked No. 1 in the ESPN 100 and widely projected to be a one-and-done lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Washington has been labeled the “next great hybrid forward,” drawing comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant for his smooth shooting touch, ball-handling ability, and court vision.
Washington averaged 28.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game in his senior season, leading Duncanville to a 6A state title. His performances drew national attention, including MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has made him one of the most sought-after players in recent recruiting history.
Why Oklahoma?
When the dust settled, it was the Oklahoma Sooners who emerged victorious in the Jalen Washington sweepstakes, a testament to the growing credibility of Porter Moser’s vision in Norman. While Alabama and Texas Tech offered compelling cases—both have recently enjoyed NCAA Tournament success and boast strong development pipelines—Washington ultimately cited his connection with Moser and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy at a program hungry for national relevance.
“Coach Moser was real with me from Day 1,” Washington said. “He didn’t promise me the world—he promised me work. He told me I could be the centerpiece of something special, and I believed him. Oklahoma is where I see myself growing as a player and a man.”
The Sooners have not landed a No. 1 overall prospect since the Blake Griffin era, and even then, Griffin was not ranked as high coming out of high school. This commitment vaults Oklahoma into a new echelon of recruiting prestige and sets the stage for the Sooners to make serious noise in the Big 12 and beyond.
The Moser Effect
Since taking the reins at Oklahoma in 2021, Porter Moser has been on a mission to rebuild and rebrand the program. Known for his disciplined defensive schemes and high-character leadership, Moser brought national attention to Loyola Chicago with a Final Four run in 2018. His move to Oklahoma was seen as a bold choice—a coach from a mid-major looking to restore a storied but recently dormant power.
Landing a talent like Jalen Washington is the clearest indicator yet that Moser’s vision is taking hold. The Sooners have improved steadily each season under his guidance, but the commitment of a generational player could catapult them into national title contention as soon as next season.
“This is a program-changing moment,” Moser said in a press release following Washington’s commitment. “Jalen is the type of player who makes everyone around him better. He brings a work ethic and a competitive spirit that matches our culture. I can’t wait to get to work with him.”
The Final Three: Breaking Down the Battle
Alabama Crimson Tide
Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide had long been considered the frontrunner for Washington. With a high-octane offense and a recent string of Sweet 16 and Elite Eight appearances, the Tide offered Washington a chance to shine on the national stage. Oats’ player development, especially with wings and hybrid forwards, was a major selling point.
Washington praised the Alabama staff for their consistent efforts.
“Coach Oats and his staff are incredible. I loved their energy and the way they play. Alabama was tough to say no to,” he admitted.
Still, sources close to Washington say he desired a program where he could lead from day one rather than being part of a rotation of stars. At Oklahoma, he is guaranteed to be the focal point.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech made a late surge in Washington’s recruitment, thanks to new head coach Grant McCasland and his renewed focus on recruiting within Texas. The Red Raiders offered the appeal of playing close to home and the chance to become a legend in Lubbock.
However, despite strong NIL offerings and the hometown appeal, Washington was drawn to Oklahoma’s holistic approach—on the court and in the classroom.
“It wasn’t just about basketball,” Washington’s mother, Tamika, said. “Oklahoma showed us what they could offer our son as a whole person. That meant a lot.”
What This Means for Oklahoma
Washington’s commitment immediately changes the ceiling for Oklahoma basketball. The Sooners have been on the fringe of NCAA Tournament relevance in recent years, but now find themselves in the spotlight. Not only is Washington expected to dominate the Big 12, but his presence will also attract additional high-caliber recruits, eager to join him in Norman.
Already, Oklahoma has seen a surge of interest from other top-50 prospects, including point guard Trey Simmons (ranked No. 17 nationally) and athletic wing Jacob Landers (No. 32), both of whom have reportedly scheduled official visits following Washington’s announcement.
NIL Factor
While Washington downplayed the role of NIL in his decision, there is no doubt that Oklahoma’s collective, Crimson and Cream Foundation, played a part in solidifying the Sooners’ appeal. The group has recently ramped up efforts to support student-athletes through legitimate endorsement and marketing opportunities, and Washington is expected to be one of the most marketable freshmen in college basketball next season.
“We want our athletes to thrive both on and off the court,” said foundation director Kevin Ricks. “Jalen’s character, charisma, and talent are a perfect fit for our mission.”
What Comes Next?
Washington is expected to enroll at Oklahoma this summer and will likely lead the Sooners into a new era. The program is building a roster around him that emphasizes spacing, pace, and physicality—three areas where Washington excels. With several key returners and a few high-upside transfers in the portal, Oklahoma’s 2025-26 roster is shaping up to be the most talented in recent memory.
Expect the Sooners to be a preseason top-10 team in multiple polls, and if Washington lives up to his billing, Norman could be hosting ESPN’s College GameDay and national spotlight games throughout the season.
NBA Implications
Scouts have been enamored with Washington’s game for years, and many view his time in college as a brief but necessary stop on the way to NBA stardom. His decision to attend Oklahoma won’t hurt his draft stock—if anything, being the undisputed centerpiece of a Power 6 program will allow his game to shine in full.
One anonymous NBA executive had this to say:
“Jalen is the real deal. He has all the tools—size, skill, maturity. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes No. 1 next year. Oklahoma is going to make him the face of their program, and that kind of spotlight can only help him.”
Reaction Around the Country
The college basketball world reacted swiftly to the news, with fans and analysts alike praising the Sooners for pulling off one of the biggest recruiting coups in recent memory. ESPN’s Jay Bilas called it “a program-altering commitment” while CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish said, “This is how blue bloods are made.”
On social media, Oklahoma players, coaches, and fans celebrated the moment with hashtags like #SoonerStandard and #WashingtonToNorman trending nationwide.
Even some NBA players chimed in, including former Sooner Trae Young, who tweeted:
“BIG MOVE!! Welcome to the fam, @JWash. Let’s go SOONERS!!! ️”
Final Thoughts
For Oklahoma, this is more than just a commitment—it’s a statement. A statement that the Sooners are ready to play with the big boys again. A statement that Norman can be a destination for elite talent. And above all, a statement that with Jalen Washington leading the charge, the future is blindingly bright.