Commander Country

Jayden Daniels and JuJu Watkins seen together after big Commanders win

It started at a college basketball game. Now, the Washington Commanders' star QB and a USC phenom have fans buzzing after their latest public interaction.
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA;  Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

In this story:


As the Washington Commanders look ahead to their Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears, fans aren’t just still talking about the team’s 27–10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, they can't stop talking about everything that came after it.

Not only was it a big return for Commanders Jayden Daniels, who was back at quarterback after missing three weeks with a knee sprain, but what happened after the win is what continues to grab headlines.

It was an big moment for Daniels, returning home to California and securing a win in front of family and friends. However, it was what happened postgame that sent social media into a frenzy: Daniels was seen celebrating the victory with USC basketball star JuJu Watkins.

The unique handshake exchange between the two quickly went viral, sparking new rounds of speculation about whether we’re seeing something more than friendship brewing.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5)
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Not Their First Public Moment

What makes their recent interaction stand out is that it’s not the first time Daniels and Watkins have been spotted together.

During last season’s NCAA Women’s Tournament, Daniels and his mother, Regina Jackson, were seen courtside where Daniels was photographed chatting with JuJu, even with Jackson playfully sitting between them at one point.

That moment was widely shared, not just for the seating arrangement, but because it offered a glimpse into a possible friendship or something more between the rising stars.

Why the Pattern Matters

The latest handshake between Daniels and Watkins isn’t just about two athletes crossing paths again; it’s about the continuing storyline that first caught fans’ attention last year.

From sitting together at March Madness to reuniting after Daniels’ return to the field, the moments don’t seem random — and that’s what keeps people watching.

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12)
Feb 13, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) lets out a yell after scoring in the fourth quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Friends or Something More?

For fans and observers, the pattern is hard to ignore. First, it was March Madness. Now, it’s postgame in California after a statement win. The curiosity only grows: are they simply friends, or is this something more?

Only time will tell whether their connection evolves into something beyond friendship or remains just a high-profile bond between two young stars. But as the Commanders prepare for Monday night, one thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Jayden Daniels, both for what he does on the field and who might be cheering him on afterward.

READ MORE: Commanders face a Bears defense that has one glaring weakness

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 season.

More Washington Commanders News

• Where does Commanders' Jayden Daniels land in the latest NFL QB ranking?

 Commanders' offense has a surprising new 'physical' identity

• Commanders reveal new update on Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown’s return

• Why Commanders starter is invaluable to offense


Published | Modified
Joane Coley
JOANNE COLEY

Joanne Coley, from Prince George’s County, MD, is a communications professional passionate about storytelling and sports. She holds a bachelor’s in Communications from Kent State University and a Master’s in Communications/Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2018, she has served as Communications Manager at the Council of the Great City Schools. A foodie and traveler, Joanne is also a former state champion in high school shotput and standout athlete in softball.

Share on XFollow JodymyJo