USC star JuJu Watkins made headlines for her performance in the Trojans’ first-round NCAA tournament victory over UNC Greensboro on Saturday. But she also drew attention because of who she sat next to in the stands afterward.
In the 71-25 victory, Watkins powered through hand and ankle injuries to score 22 points with eight rebounds, two assists and three steals, leading the Trojans to the second round, where the No. 1 seed will play No. 9 Mississippi State in a Spokane 4 region matchup on Monday.
Among the fans watching USC’s victory was Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. That may have been notable on its own. The San Bernardino, California native has been seen supporting teams in his hometown region throughout the offseason.
Daniels was at Crypto.com Arena when the Los Angeles Lakers played the Denver Nuggets last week. And during Super Bowl week, he shared his excitement about his favorite team trading for Luka Dončić.
So him being in the stands at USC’s Galen Center wasn’t out of the ordinary for the NFL offensive rookie of the year. But then the Trojans’ star player came down to sit next to him while Mississippi State played California in their first-round matchup.
As could be expected, two of sports’ marquee athletes hanging out got the internet buzzing. Many fans were also amused when Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, sat between the two at one point. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner has said in the past that she’s “very protective” of him.
Amid the narratives and gossip developing on social media was talk that Watkins and Daniels are cousins through their mothers, though that hasn’t been confirmed.
Saturday wasn’t the first time Daniels has attended a USC game this season. He was seen at the Galen Center in mid-February when the Trojans defeated No. 1 UCLA. Watkins scored 38 points in that game, adding 11 rebounds, eight blocks and five assists.
In addition to the two being Southern California natives, Watkins and Daniels are also Nike clients, both circumstances that could create a natural connection.
