Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins have a lot in common. Daniels is considered one of football’s best young quarterbacks, known for his composure, speed, and daring both inside and outside the pocket.
Watkins, 20, boasts a similar reputation on the hardwood. She’s a basketball phenom who dazzles with the ball in her hands, displaying a confidence and creativity that usually take years to develop.
From their athletic prowess to their roots, it’s easy to see why Daniels and Watkins have made such an impact in their respective sports.
Talent begets talent, though. And as the two continue to build their young careers, they’ve also been linked for another reason.
Here’s the latest on the dating rumors surrounding Daniels and Watkins.
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Are Jayden Daniels and JuJu Watkins dating?
There’s a bit of debate over whether Daniels and Watkins are actually dating. Some have even speculated that the two might be related, though that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Daniels attended USC’s matchup with No. 1 UCLA in February, where Watkins dominated in a win over the Bruins. The two were also seen together at a March Madness game alongside Daniels’ mother, fueling rumors that they might be a couple.
JuJu Watkins and Jayden Daniels know ball 🏀🏈 pic.twitter.com/Ex5mRstZF3
— ESPN (@espn) March 22, 2025
Daniels and Watkins are certainly close. They share similar roots, having both emerged from the sunny shores of Southern California. Watkins grew up in Watts, while Daniels was forged in San Bernadino. Both Watkins and Daniels are also signed to Nike, creating a further connection along financial lines.
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So, does that mean they’re dating? Not at all. Daniels attended Watkins’ birthday party in July, dancing alongside one another as music poured from speakers.
NFL quarterback Jayden Daniels and JuJu Watkins seen enjoying a Birthday party! They were also spotted leaving together. pic.twitter.com/pfJBZhXFI3
— Bonds Entertainment News (@_BESNews_) July 18, 2025
They shared a friendly interaction during the Commanders’ Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 5, performing their special handshake as Daniels walked off the field.
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🫶🫶🫶 pic.twitter.com/UrdxIfji8J
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 6, 2025
Neither Daniels nor Watkins have commented on the nature of their relationship. The former was given an opportunity to shine a light on the nature of their relationship when TMZ caught up with her at LAX in July. She opted against responding, sending the rumor mill into overdrive.
Are Jayden Daniels and JuJu Watkins cousins?
Despite the internet’s pleas, it doesn’t seem that Daniels and Watkins are cousins. Rumors linking the two together by blood suggested that Daniels’ mother and Watkins’ mother were sisters. Sports Illustrated reported that isn’t the case. Watkins’ mother, Sari Watkins, never mentioned Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, when discussing her four sisters in the 2024 docuseries, “On The Ride: JuJu Watkins.”
Similarly, a 2014 National Sibling Day Instagram post from Jackson included two sisters, neither of whom are Sari Watkins.
Jayden Daniels-JuJu Watkins age difference
Daniels and Watkins are four years, six months and 27 days in age. Daniels was born on Dec. 18, 2000, while Watkins was born on July 15, 2005. They’re separated by 1,670 days in age.
Jayden Daniels age
Daniels is 24 years old. He’ll turn 25 on Dec. 18.
JuJu Watkins age
Watkins is 20 years old. She’ll turn 21 on July 15, 2026.
