Washington is from Las Vegas, Nevada.[2] He is the nephew of former NBA player Kobe Bryant.[3] He grew up playing basketball and flag football before later trying out tackle football.[3] He attended Bishop Gorman High School where he played football and basketball, becoming a starting safety as a sophomore in football after having initially been a wide receiver.[4] That year, he helped his team to the state championship and a national championship with a perfect record of 12–0, tallying 37 tackles and two interceptions.[4] After the football season, Washington led the basketball team to a state title, averaging 13 points and eight rebounds per game.[5]
Washington was named the MaxPreps Nevada Player of the Year as a junior in 2024 after he posted 38 tackles, five interceptions, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.[6] He helped the football team to a state title and then the basketball team to a state title in his junior season.[7] He recorded 48 tackles and four interceptions as a senior while winning another state football championship.[2][8]
A five-star recruit, Washington was ranked the number one safety and a top-25 player overall in the nation in the class of 2026.[9] He committed to play college football for the Oregon Ducks.[10] He signed to play for the Ducks in December 2025.[8]