On the hardwood, it was business as usual for the USC! The Trojans defeated 16th-seeded UNC Greensboro 71-25, who could only manage 13% shooting (7-for-54 ) from the floor. Meanwhile, JuJu Watkins, the unanimous National Player of the Year by The Athletic, suffered a small injury but played 28 minutes. It was enough for her to score a game-high 22 points. However, the conversation shifted from her performance to her appearance with the Commanders star Jayden Daniels.

The Commanders’ young quarterback was in the stands watching the first-round game of the NCAA Women’s tournament. Following the game, JuJu Watkins sat next to quarterback from LSU, who is now in his second offseason as a Washington Commander. One such snap from the game is viral, and fans speculated the reason for them sitting next to each other. One user highlighted the mood and tone of the conversation between the two, “Every single tooth visible between the two of them.”

Daniels was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, leading the Commanders to quite the surprising 12-5 season, considering they were only 4-13 in 2023. In his rookie campaign, Daniels shattered records, finishing with 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and an NFL rookie quarterback record of 891 rushing yards, cementing his status as a dual-threat phenom. By March 2025, he’s already a Pro Bowl selection and a cornerstone of Washington’s NFC Championship run, falling just short of the Super Bowl to the Eagles. Like Watkins, the 24-year-old NFL Pro Bowler has a deal with Nike. The two were seen conversing and enjoying each other’s company, but just moments later, Daniels’ mom sat in between them. Yes, Regina Jackson sat between the two of them!

Daniels’ mom was also there watching hoops with her son, and at one point, was hilariously seen sitting between the two and talking to JuJu Watkins. The moment was enough for social media as fans started circulating theories about the star athletes and their personal lives.

Their shared Southern California roots—Watkins hailing from Los Angeles and Daniels from San Bernardino—along with their Nike endorsements, have fueled speculation about a deeper bond, though neither has confirmed anything beyond friendship.

Rumors float after JuJu Watkins’ viral reaction after the First Round

One social media comment suggested that the social media appearance helps in kick-starting dating rumors. “This is how rumors get started 🤭😏.” On the court, The Queen of Cali also contributed to the team with eight rebounds and commendable defense. But the picture of her and Jayden Daniels did not leave any room for defense from the netizens.

A fan added, “They would look cute together lol.” As of now, the 19-year-old has not publically spoken about her relationship status. Even the Commanders’ star Daniels has managed to keep things under wraps. He previously suggested that his mother made sure the close circle is tight and there are no unnecessary distractions. Remembering that one fan pointed out how Regina Jackson was quick to sit between the two stars. “Then his mom came and sat in between them.”

The teeth comment caught quite people off guard, as one added “Teeth is crazy😂😂😂.” The other fan insinuated that the conversation was so engrossing and fun that JuJu Watkins and Daniels couldn’t control their smile. “Alllllll 64 of ’em 😂.” Whatever, the situation might be let’s not forget that Daniels also showed up back in February to watch Watkins and the Trojans’ win over then No. 1 UCLA.

So, it’s possible there is no connection as the fans hint at. Currently, the USC star will look to heal from the sustained injury and make sure to ball out in second round.