Are JuJu Watkins & Jayden Daniels Dating? NFL QB Supports Basketball Star At NCAA Tournament

JuJu Watkins was greeted by a special guest when USC took on No. 16 UNC Greensboro in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The sophomore supernova and Sporting News Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year suffered a bit of an injury scare during the Trojans’ joust. But when the dust settled, it was USC that emerged unscathed, declared 71-25 victors, powered by Watkins’ 22-point, eight-rebound display. Watkins was her typical ebullient self on the floor. Another youngster watched on in the Galen Arena concourses, cheering on as a bevy of Watkins’ efforts lined the netting. Commanders star and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels made an appearance at Saturday’s contest. He proceeded to catch bits and pieces of  No. 9-seed Mississippi State’s 59-46 win over No. 8-seed California at the same ground, this time watching along with Watkins herself.

Jayden Daniels came to support JuJu Watkins in USC's NCAA Tournament win.

In the game after at Spokane, JuJu joined Jayden to watch Mississippi State vs. Cal. pic.twitter.com/2KUpKOKH9U

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 22, 2025

The 19-year old Watkins and 24-year old Daniels emerged from similar playgrounds, with both hailing from Southern California — Watkins grew up in Watts, while Daniels was raised in San Bernardino. As is the case with numerous California-based athletes, artists and everything in between, those from the Sunshine State often share a kinship of sorts. It seems Watkins and Daniels are no exception to that rule. Daniels’ latest cameo  at Galen Arena wasn’t his first time watching Watkins and her teammates compete. He was also in attendance for the Trojans’ 71-60 win over No. 1 UCLA on Feb. 13. Per usual, Watkins showed out, posting a 38-point, 11-rebound, eight-block, five-assist outing to power USC’s explosive display. Both Watkins and Daniels are also signed to Nike, creating a further connection along financial lines. At present, it seems Watkins and Daniels’ companionship stems from their SoCal roots. Being high-level athletes with overlapping business interests can’t hurt, either.

Source: Sporting News