REJECTED: USC Trojans Women’s Basketball Star JuJu Watkins Stuns College Football World, Rejects Jaw-Dropping $4.5 Million NIL Offer from Notre Dame to Remain with the USC Trojans: ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being a USC Trojan…’
In a jaw-dropping moment that rippled across the college sports world, JuJu Watkins, the dynamic superstar of USC women’s basketball, made headlines by turning down a reported
$4.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal from Notre Dame. The offer, rumored to be one of the largest ever extended to a women’s college basketball player, was aimed at luring Watkins to transfer. But in a stunning show of loyalty and focus, Watkins made her position crystal clear: “I have no plans beyond being a USC Trojan.”
The 20-year-old phenom has been the heart and soul of the USC program since her arrival, bringing the Trojans back into national prominence with her unmatched scoring ability, leadership, and fierce competitiveness. In the 2024–25 season, Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, earning her the prestigious Associated Press Women’s Basketball Player of the Year award. Her dominance on the court has made her a household name—not just in basketball circles, but across all college athletics.
What makes Watkins’ rejection of the multimillion-dollar offer so significant isn’t just the money—it’s the message. In an age where player movement and financial incentives dominate headlines, Watkins’ decision to stay rooted in her program shows a rare level of commitment and integrity. “I came to USC to build something special,” she said in a statement. “Money can come and go, but legacy lasts forever. I’m not finished here.”
Sources close to the USC program say that Watkins was “deeply flattered” by the attention but never seriously considered leaving. Her bond with her teammates, coaches, and the Trojan community is strong, and she views her role as much bigger than her own stats or endorsements. “JuJu wants to inspire a generation,” said one insider. “She’s about empowerment, loyalty, and winning championships the right way.”
The Notre Dame offer reportedly included luxury housing, premium NIL sponsorships, and even performance-based incentives. But none of that was enough to pry Watkins away from her vision of what she’s building in Los Angeles. Her decision sends a powerful message not only to fans and sponsors, but to fellow student-athletes navigating the murky waters of the NIL era.
Watkins’ choice has been widely praised across social media and the sports world. NBA stars, WNBA legends, and college coaches alike applauded her for staying true to her path. “That’s the kind of leadership you can’t teach,” one analyst noted on ESPN. “JuJu Watkins isn’t just a star. She’s a movement.”
In staying with USC, Watkins cements her legacy not only as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Trojan jersey, but as a symbol of purpose over profit. Her rejection of the $4.5 million offer isn’t just a headline—it’s a statement of who she is, and what college sports can still be.
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