USC: “Undeniable”: College hoops fans hail JuJu Watkins as USC star wins major Big 10 honor

JuJu Watkins has racked up yet another accolade. The USC star guard has been named Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year, the Trojans announced on Thursday.

It's no surprise that Watkins was awarded Big Ten Player of the Year. The USC star was named AP Player of the Year and secured the Naismith and Wooden Awards after her dominant sophomore campaign. The Trojans celebrated Watkins' latest award on Instagram.

Fans flooded the comments with their support. Many hyped up Watkins for her big accomplishment.

"Undeniable."

USC athletics praises JuJu Watkins - USC WBB/IG

"One of one!✌️"

A fan reacts to Watkins’ new award - USC WBB/IG

"The Biggest ... the Baddest! Yea JuJu! 🔥💪🏾🤏🏾♥️"

"JUJU ON DA BEAAAAT!😍❤️🙌"

Others offered well wishes for Watkins' healing from her ACL tear. She was sidelined from the rest of USC's March Madness run last season after she suffered the injury in the second round.

"Goat 🐐. Basketball fans miss you dearly🥹😭."

A fan tells Watkins she’s missed - USC WBB/IG

"Yea JuJu can't wait til she's back."

A comment looks forward to Watkins’ return - USC WBB/IG

"The franchise, JuJu, you're everything to the SC women's basketball team. Get well soon I can come see you again. Congratulations to you as well."

An IG user congratulates Watkins and encourages her to get well soon - USC WBB/IG

JuJu Watkins set for shoe release with Nike

JuJu Watkins has an exciting upcoming collaboration. The USC star is working with Nike to release two new colorways of the G.T. Future in summer 2026.

Watkins will serve as an essential part of the rollout of the Nike LeBron NXXT Genisus Future. The reigning AP Player of the Year will work with the brand on two colorways, one in Black, Deep Burgundy and Electro Green and the other in Metallic Silver, Chalk and Light Crimson.

NCAA Women's Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second Round USC-Mississippi State - Source: Imagn

Images of the shoes have not yet been released, but they are expected to be similar to other sneakers in the LeBron NXXT line, which focuses on a lightweight build with cushioning meant to aid in basketball players' games.

Watkins' work with Nike is nothing new. She first signed with the brand in October 2022 during her senior year in high school. Last fall, the Trojans guard signed a multi-year contract extension with Nike in one of the most lucrative shoe endorsement deals in women's basketball history.

Her new colorways highlight the brand's continued commitment to working with Watkins, and fans can look forward to the shoes hitting the market next summer.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Ribin Peter