Jayden Daniels & JuJu Watkins Share Special Bond

There has been plenty of speculation that Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is dating USC basketball star JuJu Watkins, but there are no indications the two are more than just friends. Daniels has been a frequent guest at Watkins’ basketball games.

The Commanders star was also spotted at Watkins’ birthday party over the offseason. Daniels went viral on social media for wearing a T-shirt featuring Watkins face.

Some fans have attempted to squash the rumors citing unfounded claims that the two athletes are cousins. This claim does not appear to be factual, despite some fascinating threads on Reddit.

Even Google’s AI overview seems to have been duped by an old social media post spreading rumors that Daniels is related to Watkins.

Here’s what you need to know about Daniels and Watkins.

The Rumors That Jayden Daniels & JuJu Watkins Are Cousins Appear To Be Unfounded

What we do know is that Daniels and Watkins share a friendship, with the Commanders quarterback showing an appreciation for the hooper’s game. There are no signs that the two are romantically involved despite the friendship.

Watkins was indirectly asked about Daniels during a surprise airport interview with TMZ. The highly touted WNBA prospect declined to comment on the question.

There Are No Signs That Jayden Daniels & JuJu Watkins Are Dating

If either Watkins or Daniels are dating anyone, both athletes are keeping it private. There are no public signs that Daniels or Watkins are in a relationship.

Watkins’ Instagram page is full of posts about basketball as well we some of her NIL partnerships. As for Daniels, the quarterback’s social profile is similar with his Instagram page full of posts about football, family and his endorsement deals.

JuJu Watkins Is Not Eligible for the WNBA Draft Until 2027

Prior to her unfortunate ACL injury, Watkins emerged as one of the faces of women’s college basketball. Some fans are curious when Watkins can join Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Sabrina Ionescu among other stars in the WNBA.

Based on The W’s current rules, Watkins will not be eligible to turn pro until the 2027 WNBA draft. The WNBA requires players to either be 22 years old or graduated from college.

There is still plenty of time for things to change, but Watkins is the early favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2027 WNBA draft.

“You could be looking at a multiple MVP winner,” a WNBA talent evaluator told ESPN’s Alexa Philippou in a March 17, 2025, feature titled, “Why USC’s JuJu Watkins is the next big thing in college hoops.”

“She’s going to carry a franchise. Besides Caitlin, she’s definitely the next most exciting prospect. … That’s the one you’re waiting for.”

Jayden Daniels’ Mom Regina Jackson Cleared the Air on Her Son’s Dating Life

Daniels mother Regina Jackson previously went viral for her comments about wanting to protect her son from the wrong relationship. During an interview on “The Pivot” podcast, Jackson emphasized that she is not trying to interfere with her son’s dating life.

“The thing is, he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know and he knows football and he does it very well… but he doesn’t know the business world,” Jackson noted in the May 11, interview, per New York Post. “He doesn’t know the predators or the vultures that could be out there.

“So he feels very comfortable in knowing that not only am I educated and qualified to do it, I’m also his mom.”

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