Vols Sign Top High School Basketball Player in Volunteer State in Chris Washington, Jr

(utsports.com) – University of Tennessee head men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Thursday the signing of Chris Washington Jr.

A consensus four-star, top-50 prospect in the class of 2026, Washington is unanimously regarded as the premier player in the state of Tennessee.

“We are happy to add Chris to a high school class that we are really enthused about. Chris is a truly special athlete and, without a doubt, one of the finest in the country at the prep level,” Barnes said. “He is particularly impactful in transition and leaping off one foot. He can also stretch the floor and knock down 3-point shots, as well as grab offensive rebounds. At the defensive end, Chris has all the tools to become elite and is someone who can guard four positions. We always prioritize keeping talented players in-state and feel Chris will fit in well here on Rocky Top.”

Washington is a 6-foot-9, 200-pound forward from Gainesville, Fla., but he attends Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro, Tenn. He is listed as the No. 33 player in the country by Rivals, which ranks him No. 11 among small forwards.

Both the 247Sports Composite (No. 43) and the Rivals Industry Ranking (No. 49) put Washington top-50 nationally and top-20 at the small forward spot. Both consider him the best recruit from a Volunteer State high school since 2022.

Washington is one of just 25 players in the country set to play in the prestigious Iverson Roundball Classic, slated for May 2 in Hampton, Va. He was also a McDonald’s All-American Game nominee.

As a junior in 2024-25, Washington was named a TSWA Division II-A All-State honoree, one of just three non-seniors among the 12 selections. He was named the MVP of the state tournament after leading Providence Christian Academy to its first TSSAA title ever. He tallied 17 points, a game-high seven rebounds and a game-best three blocks in a 78-68 victory  over Battle Ground Academy to finish off a 30-2 campaign.

This season, Washington helped his team repeat as the TSSAA Division II-A state champion and again won tournament MVP. He put up a 13-point, 15-rebound double-double in a 60-48 triumph over Battle Ground Academy in the final, completing a 29-6 season.

Washington, who averaged 18.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as a senior, collected 2026 Division II-A Mr. Basketball accolades, becoming the first student at his school ever to win the honor in any sport. He was also named to the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal All-Area Team.

Before transferring to Providence Christian Academy, Washington attended The Villages Charter School in The Villages, Fla. There, he was a 2023 Source Hoops 4A Second Team All-State Tournament pick after helping his team reach the title game after a freshman year in which he put up 10.7 points per game.

Across his four-year high school career, Washington amassed over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. On the AAU circuit, Washington competed with B. Maze Elite, a Knoxville-based program run by former Tennessee guard Bobby Maze (2008-10).

Washington committed to the Volunteers over Auburn, Ole Miss, Villanova and Southern Cal, after previously considering schools such as Alabama, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and Oregon, among others.

Tennessee has eight prior letter winners from Florida, including 1965-66 Helms First Team All-America selection Austin “Red” Robbins (Groveland), two-time (1987-88, 1988-89) First Team All-SEC honoree Dyron Nix (Fort Walton Beach) and a member of Barnes’ first team (2015-16) at Tennessee, Derek Reese (Orlando).

Washington is the fourth prep player headed to Tennessee in the class of 2026, joining fall signees Marquis Clark, Manny Green and Ralph Scott. The Volunteers have also signed three transfers: MVC Player of the Year Tyler Lundblade, two-time All-A-10 Defensive Team selection Miles Rubin and Third Team All-ACC choice Dai Dai Ames.

To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT WASHINGTON

Paul Biancardi, ESPN Basketball Recruiting Director: “Since a young age, Chris Washington Jr., has had a lot of potential as a big wing/forward. His fluidity, scoring ability and touch, along with his lengthy frame, are very attractive. I had the chance to coach him at my basketball camp and found that he’s not only a high-level talent, but also a very likable young man. If Chris comes in with a competitive and coachable mindset, he should reach his potential at Tennessee and help the Volunteers continue their winning ways. Rick Barnes teaches and emphasizes that talented players must work even harder to capitalize on opportunities and understands the importance of defense to a prospect’s overall long-term growth, all of which has consistently benefited gifted players like Chris who have played for and excelled under him.”

Jamie Shaw, Rivals Senior National Recruiting Analyst: “You quickly see the physical tools with Chris Washington Jr. He is a lengthy wing with positional size and unique movement skills. You see the defensive upside he brings, plus the twitch and the versatility to both play up the line off-ball or slide his feet on-ball. His offensive game has streamlined over the last year, knocking down catch-and-shoot jumpers more consistently and ripping through to get downhill. The frame is there, the continued growth is there and now it is all about continuing to climb toward his high ceiling.”