Jayden Daniels made a noteworthy appearance at the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament in Los Angeles this past Saturday, showcasing his support for the USC Trojans and their standout, JuJu Watkins. As the quarterback for the Washington Commanders, Daniels is no stranger to the spotlight. After leading his team to the NFC Championship Game and earning Rookie of the Year honors, his presence at the tournament added to the excitement of the day.
The USC Trojans, who entered the tournament as a No. 1 seed, wasted no time in making a statement. They took down UNC Greensboro with a staggering 71-25 victory in the first round, and Watkins was at the heart of that triumph. The talented guard put on a show, dropping 22 points to lead her team to an emphatic win, further cementing her status as one of the top players in the nation.
After the game, cameras captured an intriguing moment between Daniels and Watkins, two rising stars in their respective sports. However, the interaction took an unexpected turn when Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, stepped in, creating a stir among fans. The scene had fans buzzing on social media, with many critiquing Jackson’s protective nature.
At 24 years old, Daniels is certainly an adult, but some fans couldn’t help but voice their opinions on the situation. Comments ranged from light-hearted observations about parental instincts to critiques about parental involvement in their grown children’s lives. One fan remarked, “That’s MAMA PROTECTING HER BABY BOY FROM THE EATERS 💀 She knows exactly what she’s doing,” hinting at the playful nature of a mother’s concern, while others expressed that Jackson’s intervention felt excessive for someone of Daniels’ age, given that Watkins is no ordinary college athlete—she’s projected to be a top draft pick.
As the dialogue heightened, one fan humorously suggested that Jackson might be attempting to ward off a situation reminiscent of Travis Hunter’s experiences, while another mentioned, “Yeah this lame lol these parents are always way too involved. Your kid’s money/life not yours.” The reactions underscored both the protective nature of parents and the curiosity surrounding this crossover between collegiate basketball and professional football.
As for Watkins and the Trojans, they are now gearing up for the next challenge. They will face off against No. 9 seed Mississippi State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday night, with a tipoff scheduled for 10 p.m. E.T. on ESPN. It’s an exciting time for both the players and their supporters, as they navigate the highs of tournament play and individual recognition on the national stage.
