The worst news for the NCAAW came last night during the second round of March Madness when USC’s superstar and top candidate for National Player of the Year, JuJu Watkins, went down with an injury. It happened midway through the first quarter of USC’s commanding 96-59 victory over Mississippi State. Today, the heartbreaking update confirmed that Watkins has suffered a season-ending knee injury, a devastating turn of events that dims USC’s hopes of making it to the Final Four – a milestone they haven’t reached since falling to Texas in the 1986 national championship game.
With Watkins sidelined, the Trojans will turn to senior forward Kiki Iriafen, who scored a career-high 36 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win. She’ll have to lead the way as USC takes on No. 5 seed Kansas State on March 29. Should they pull off the upset, they’ll likely face a blockbuster Elite Eight matchup with UConn and projected WNBA top pick Paige Buckers, a matchup that’s lost some of its luster without Watkins in the mix.
Jayden Daniels Stands by Watkins
Rewind to the first round of March Madness, and you might remember the moment that lit up social media: NFL Rookie of the YearJayden Daniels chatting with JuJu Watkins courtside, only to have his mother, Regina Jackson, slide in between them like a referee breaking up a huddle. The clip was pure gold – Jackson, who also serves as Daniels’ agent, clearly keeping a watchful eye on her son. Their connection has been brewing since at least 2023, with Daniels showing up at several Trojans games, including one in February 2025. He was back in the stands for the second round, but the mood changed quickly – just five minutes in, Watkins crumpled to the ground with a non-contact knee injury, leaving Daniels and everyone else watching in stunned silence as she was carried off.
It sparked plenty of chatter about the rumored romance between the two rising stars. Word is that Daniels has been a fixture at USC games, cheering on Watkins, while she’s returned the favor by attending his Washington Commanders games during the 2024 NFL season. Despite the grim news, there are those who believe and blame the injury on Daniel’s mother, which I don’t understand, it was a natural play of the game, but unfortunately Watkins’ knee suffered the worst outcome imaginable.
The relationship between Daniels and Watkins seems to be true, which will give much to talk about in the coming years with the success and ability shown by the ROY and the promising future of Watkins in the NCAA and soon in the WNBA.
A Tournament Diminished: What Watkins’ Exit Means
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb didn’t hold back about how shaken she was to see her star player down. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu on the floor and crying,” Gottlieb shared. “I’m doing my best to hold it together for the team, but inside, it’s tough. Watkins, for her part, remained optimistic after the first-round win, saying, “I have full confidence in my team, whether I’m out there or not. I know what they’re capable of.”
But let’s be real – without Watkins, a two-time All-American sophomore guard who is lighting up the stat sheet with 24.6 points per game (second-best in the nation), USC’s shot at the title feels like a long shot. She’s the heartbeat of this team, the one who could shoulder the load and carry them to their first championship since 1984. Her absence leaves a void that’s hard to ignore, not just for the Trojans, but for a tournament that’s lost one of its brightest lights.
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