Gonzaga's Elite Pursuit: 4-Star Forward E.J. Washington Names Zags in Top Six for 2026 Class

The race for elite talent in college basketball's 2026 class just got significantly more intense, and Gonzaga is firmly in the thick of it. Highly-touted four-star small forward E.J. Washington has officially narrowed his list of potential collegiate homes to a prestigious top six, with the Gonzaga Bulldogs proudly earning a spot among the nation's most storied programs.

This is a monumental development for Mark Few and his coaching staff, as they continue to build for the future.

Washington, a dynamic 6-foot-6 prospect hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, and starring for Male High School, is considered one of the premier talents in his class. He's ranked as the No. 34 overall player by 247Sports and an even higher No. 25 by Rivals, underscoring his immense potential and the high demand for his skills.

The competition for Washington's commitment is fierce, a testament to his caliber.

The other five powerhouses making his exclusive list include basketball blue bloods Duke and North Carolina, perennial Pac-12 contender Arizona, his hometown Louisville Cardinals, and the formidable Texas Longhorns. To be counted among such an elite group speaks volumes about Gonzaga's sustained national prominence and their ability to attract top-tier recruits.

For Gonzaga, this isn't the first interaction with the talented forward.

Washington previously took an official visit to the Spokane campus, a crucial step in the recruiting process that clearly left a strong impression. These visits are vital for recruits to experience the program's culture, meet the coaching staff, and get a feel for the campus environment and fan base.

That positive impression has now translated into Gonzaga being a serious contender.

Landing a player of Washington's caliber would be a significant coup for the Bulldogs. His versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability would perfectly complement Gonzaga's fast-paced, high-octane offense. As the 2026 class takes shape, all eyes will be on E.J.

Washington's decision, and the Gonzaga faithful will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this exciting recruiting saga, hoping to see this future star don the Zags' blue and white.