Alabama, FAMU and Tennessee among top options for 4-star forward Chris Washington Jr.

One of the top class of 2026 college basketball prospects from the state of Tennessee is Chris Washington Jr., a consensus four-star and top-50 player. He’s a 6’8 forward whose game is partially played on the perimeter, as he can face up and score in a variety of ways. 

The Gainesville, Florida, native has seven teams in the list, including a surprise local option. Here’s a look at how Washington Jr. would fit with each of them.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Bama lost several forwards this offseason but has a pair of newcomers, including FSU transfer Taylor Bol Bowen and incoming freshman Amari Allen. Washington and his offensive skillset would be a nice fit at Alabama, and barring unknown transfer pickups, would have a nice pathway to early minutes as a freshman.

Auburn Tigers

Auburn has UCF transfer Keyshawn Hall on the roster for one year, but also has JUCO transfer Abdul Bashir and freshman Sebastian Williams-Adams for multiple years. The success of former forward Chad Baker-Mazara makes them a good option for players like Washington with similar skillsets.

Cincy Bearcats

Three players can play the four-spot for Cincy next season. Two are senior transfers in Baba Miller (FAU) and Jalen Haynes (George Mason), and a redshirt freshman, Tyler McKinley. Since two of them will be gone, Washington would be a nice addition who’d fit into the Bearcats' system. Assuming Coach Wes Miller isn’t going anywhere, Cincy is one of the safer options in terms of immediate playing time. 

Florida A&M Rattlers

The Rattlers haven’t made the NCAA Tournament in 20 years, which was also the last time they finished over .500. They’ve consistently been a bottom-tier team in the MEAC, but with Washington, they could instantly become a contender. This would also be an option where the player becomes the focal point and becomes a national name if Washington were to eventually portal and move up.

Ole Miss Rebels

The wing position for the Rebels is wide open for the future, especially once Kansas transfer AJ Storr is gone after next year. Freshman Tylis Jordan could be a candidate, but right now, he’s unproven at the SEC level.

Tennessee Vols

As the local option, the Vols could be the team to watch in this recruitment. Five-star freshman Nate Ament likely is only around for one year, and there’s little depth at the forward position, especially with offensive potential. This is a good option that would make sense for both sides, based on the current roster construction.

Villanova Wildcats

New HC Kevin Willard landed a ton of newcomers to the roster. But the position that got the fewest newcomers was power forwards, mainly just Maryland senior transfer, Tafara Gapare. Depending on how good redshirt freshman Matthew Hodge looks, this option could be wide open for Washington to come in and have an impact out of the gate.