The Washington Commanders’ star quarterback Jayden Daniels gain attention at the Galen Center during USC’s dominant 71-25 win over UNC Greensboro in the opening round of March Madness.
While the game was a spectacle, it was a courtside moment between Daniels, USC basketball phenom JuJu Watkins, and Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, who stole the show.
As ESPN cameras panned to Daniels and Watkins engaged in conversation, fans couldn’t help but notice Jackson making herself right at home between the two young stars. With a smile, she playfully inserted herself into the interaction, chatting animatedly with Watkins as Daniels looked on.
The lighthearted moment quickly went viral, sparking chatter among fans about the quarterback and the basketball sensation’s growing friendship.
A Courtside Moment To Remember
Daniels, fresh off his NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year win, is no stranger to Watkins’ game. He previously attended USC’s showdown against then-No. 1 UCLA in February, showing support for the freshman guard who has taken the college basketball world by storm.
Daniels and Watkins share a connection beyond sports, with each having endorsement deals with Nike, adding another layer to their high-profile linkup.
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Jayden Daniels's Mom does NOT play around 😭 pic.twitter.com/b3FtobTRKB
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 23, 2025
Though speculation about a potential friendship, or more, between Daniels and Watkins is inevitable, Jackson has made it clear in the past that her son remains single and focused on his career. Watkins, 19, also keeps her personal life under wraps, prioritizing her rising stardom in basketball. Still, seeing two of sports’ brightest young talents sharing a courtside moment was enough to ignite excitement among fans.
If USC advances and faces LSU in the tournament, Daniels and his mother could find themselves in an amusing dilemma. As a former LSU star, Daniels might have to cheer against Watkins, a scenario that would only add to the growing intrigue around their courtside connection.
Until then, fans can enjoy the viral moment of Jackson hilariously playing chaperone in the middle of two rising superstars.
