Jayden Daniels’ recent appearance with JuJu Watkins at NCAA Women’s tournament sparks dating rumors

Jayden Daniels is the latest to dive into the treacherous waters of March Madness. The Washington Commanders quarterback wasn’t alone in his venture; he received accompaniment from JuJu Watkins.

On Friday, Watkins’ USC defeated the No. 16 seed UNC Greensboro 71-25 despite twisting her ankle on a defender’s foot while attempting a layup in the third quarter. The emerging talent racked up 22 points and eight rebounds in the game.

The day wasn’t over though—far from it. Right after completing her game, Watkins quickly headed over to watch the USC boys’ basketball team face off against the No. 9 seed Mississippi State in the same arena. Cameras caught the 19-year-old walking down the steps in the gallery and stopping beside a familiar face. Jayden Daniels.

Seated close to the court, Daniels leaned back in his seat to let Watkins pass. She sat down right next to the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The game finished with a 59-46 defeat for USC, but social media began buzzing for a different reason. Fans speculated whether Jayden Daniels was dating JuJu Watkins.

JuJu Watkins and Jayden Daniels at the NCAA Women's tourney 🙌

Daniels pulled up to watch Watkins and USC get their first round win 👏 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/WoZiTYyuQd

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 22, 2025

JuJu Watkins needs permission from Jayden Daniels’ mother to date her son

If Daniels and Watkins are truly a couple, then perhaps she bagged the green signal from the LSU star’s mother. Regina Jackson, Daniels’ mom (who is also an NFLPA-certified agent), is picky when it comes to girls.

Following Daniels’ 71% pass completion for 299 yards and two touchdowns, along with 16 carries for 51 yards against the Detroit Lions (45-31 win) at Ford Field, Jackson sat down for an interview for Prime Video’s The Money Game. Jackson revealed various details about her son’s life and game.

However, a clip in which Jackson warned girls who only see Daniels as a money-making machine went viral.

Some girl out here, she’s got a Jayden Daniels wall and her mama says, ‘Hey honey, you’re going to the be the one to get ‘em.’ And I know that sounds crazy, but I guarantee there’s someone who’s trying to get their hooks into Jayden Daniels… So, thank god he got a mama like me because it isn’t happening.

Regina Jackson said

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Jackson can rest easy if Daniels is dating Watkins. She will not be needing a share of her son’s NFL money. The reigning Big Ten Player of the Year and 2x unanimous first-team All-American is on course to become a future basketball star.

Watkins already earns a generous amount through NIL deals with AT&T, Celsius, Dove, Gatorade, NerdWallet, Ritz, State Farm, and Wells Fargo. According to the Sports Business Journal, Watkins is the highest-earning women’s college basketball player from NIL deals.

Commanders new offensive lineman can’t wait to block for his quarterback

Daniels made a name for himself at LSU with his dual-threat qualities. The smart usage of his feet set him apart from the rest of the quarterbacks in his class. He fit the philosophy in which the new regime of Dan Quinn at Washington wanted to play.

It worked. The Commanders reached their first NFC title game since 1991. Daniels was in top form, but the Philadelphia Eagles edged the tie 34-31. The Eagles broke down the Commanders’ O-line easily to get to Daniels, hampering his usual play.

They took note, and at the first chance, Quinn and the Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil from the Texans. The Commanders received Tunsil and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft, and the Texans bagged 2025 third-round and seventh-round picks and 2026 second and fourth-round picks.

Following his move from the Texans, Tunsil revealed he was eager to block for Daniels.

I actually can’t wait to block for Jayden Daniels. He’s a baller, just from seeing him on TV and watching film… Just said a good person, a baller, so I can’t wait. He’ll make my job hella easy.

Laremy Tunsil said via the Associated Press

The Commanders also brought in former 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel as a quality addition to the offense.

Related: Najee Harris takes a jibe at former Steelers teammate Justin Fields after signing with the Chargers: “Didn’t know anything”