USC Trojans Star JuJu Watkins Rejects Historic $205 Million NIL Offer from the Longhorns: “My Loyalty Lies with the USC Trojans Forever”
LOS ANGELES — In a move that stunned the college sports world, USC Trojans women’s basketball phenom JuJu Watkins has turned down a record-shattering $205 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the University of Texas Longhorns, affirming her unwavering commitment to USC.
The offer, reportedly the largest NIL deal ever proposed to a college athlete — male or female — was meant to lure Watkins to Austin as the Longhorns ramp up their pursuit of dominance in women’s college basketball. Sources close to the negotiations confirmed that the deal included a mix of corporate endorsements, media appearances, and performance-based incentives, all structured through Texas-aligned NIL collectives.
But Watkins, who just completed a historic freshman season at USC averaging over 27 points per game and leading the Trojans to a deep NCAA Tournament run, wasted no time rejecting the offer.
In a statement released via social media and later confirmed in a press conference, Watkins declared:
“My loyalty lies with the USC Trojans forever. No amount of money can replace the love I have for this program, this school, and my teammates. I came here to build something special, and I’m not finished yet.”
The 6-foot-2 guard has quickly become the face of college basketball, not just for her elite skills but also for her leadership, charisma, and deep ties to her Los Angeles roots. A local product out of Sierra Canyon High School, Watkins chose USC over offers from major basketball powerhouses in 2023, aiming to revive a once-storied program and inspire the next generation of athletes in Southern California.
USC Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised Watkins’ decision.
“JuJu’s loyalty, integrity, and commitment speak volumes about her character. She’s not just changing USC women’s basketball — she’s changing the game,” said Gottlieb.
Fans and analysts alike are hailing Watkins’ decision as a defining moment in the NIL era — a powerful reminder that loyalty and legacy still hold meaning, even in an environment increasingly shaped by lucrative deals.
Social media exploded in response to the news, with hashtags like #LoyaltyOverMoney and #FightOn trending nationwide. Former Trojans and NBA stars chimed in with support, praising Watkins for standing firm.
Though the $205 million offer would have made her the richest college athlete in history, JuJu Watkins’ bold stand has etched her name into a different kind of history — one defined by heart, loyalty, and the will to stay true.