USC women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins has just dodged a question about the rumors surrounding her relationship with NFL rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.
On Thursday, July 17, “TMZ” caught up with the Lady Trojan’s star, 19, at LAX airport and asked if she and Daniels, 24, are officially dating.
Watkins didn’t respond – she brushed off the question and kept moving.
The 6-foot-2 guard did, however, speak when asked about her recovery from her ACL injury that cut her March Madness run short earlier this year.
“Always leave it out on the court,” Watkins told the outlet.
MORE: USC’s JuJu Watkins claims ESPY despite heartbreaking ACL injury
Are JuJu Watkins and Jayden Daniels dating? Fan’s can’t stop talking
Fans have been buzzing for months about a possible love story between the Washington Commanders quarterback and USC women’s basketball star.
Earlier this week, Daniels walked out of the USC basketball star’s surprise birthday party, which was also attended by the NFL star’s mother, Regina Jackson.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels walked out with USC basketball star JuJu Watkins at her surprise birthday party this week.
Jayden was seen dancing and celebrating with Juju and his mother the entire night.
What a special moment captured 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/LxPoAgjkkz
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 17, 2025
Fans went crazy after videos started circulating on social media, which didn’t help the rumors.
“Is this a power couple,” one person commented on X.
“I hope they get married and have kids those kids will be superstars lol,” another person wrote.
“She is a darling. She is probably the best thing that can happen to Jayden,” a third person echoed.
“I hope they are a couple,” someone else commented.
At the same time, others started speculating that Watkins and Daniels are related – and not in any type of romance.
“Aren’t they cousins,” one person wrote on X.
“Wait…I thought they were cousins,” another person said.
“I see the family resemblance now!!! Juju and Jayden are first cousin,” someone else added.
The NFL quarterback and USC star are yet to comment on any of the rumors.
Juju Watkins and Jayden Daniels dating rumors explained
The dating rumors started when Daniels and Watkins sat together in the first round of the NCAA tournament, with Daniels’ mom, Regina, sitting between them.
Clips of the three of them quickly went viral online and many people started speculating if there was a romance brewing.
“Jayden momma was right behind em holding both they hand,” one person wrote on X.
Watkins and Daniels both hail from southern California.
Daniels was selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL draft. The former LSU star won the 2023 Heisman Trophy and is considered one of the most promising young NFL players in the QB position.
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