Crimson Tide expected to host 5-star wing for official visit

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats is looking to continue Alabama’s surge to its first national championship this year and continues to stay near the top with his staff’s recruiting efforts.

Chris Washington Jr., a top-25 national recruit in the 2026 class, has scheduled an official visit to Tuscaloosa for September in a move that could reshape not just Alabama’s program but the balance of power in college basketball’s next era.

2026 Top-25 recruit Chris Washington Jr. has scheduled an official visit to Alabama.

Story (On3+): https://t.co/4yWhuOr6LC pic.twitter.com/3lPSs6nYNW

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 24, 2025

The 6-foot-8, 175 pound wing and currently plays for Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and has caught the attention of college scouts across the nation with offers from schools such as Alabama, Auburn, Cincinnati, Clemson, Florida State, Michigan, Missouri, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and many others

The news of his scheduled visit, first reported by On3, marks a pivotal moment in Alabama’s ongoing recruitment push, as head coach Nate Oats and his staff look to secure a player who could anchor their program for years to come

Washington Jr.’s recruiting stock has been on the rise this summer as he creeps into contention for a spot in the top 20 as a 5-star prospect.

He is the No. 23 overall recruit in the 2026 class, No. 10 in a loaded wing class and No. 1 in the state of Tennessee, according to 247sports composite rankings.

Alabama’s pitch centers on development and exposure under the guidance of Nate Oats, who is known for his fast-paced offense and an ability to prepare players for the next level.

Washington’s official visit is scheduled for September 6-7 but certainly isn’t his first look at the Crimson Tide’s program but this visit is a bit different, a chance for Alabama to push itself to the front for good.

For Alabama, the pursuit of Washington Jr. is part of a broader strategy.

After a string of high-profile commitments and strong showings on the recruiting trail, Alabama has plenty of momentum with top five classes in two of the past three cycles.

At this point, Alabama has yet to earn a commitment from any prospects in the 2026 class but do have visits scheduled this fall with 4-star forward Cole Cloer, 4-star point guard Deron Rippey, 4-star wing Jaxon Richardson and 4-star shooting guard Tarris Bouie.