Exclusive: Five-Star Guard JuJu Watkins Shocks USC College Basketball With Decommitment and Flip to Tennessee Volunteers Over Kentucky Wildcat
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, five-star guard JuJu Watkins has officially decommitted from USC and pledged her commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers, choosing them
over long-time powerhouse programs like the Kentucky Wildcats. This move has left fans, coaches, and analysts stunned, as Watkins had been widely expected to be a cornerstone of the Trojans’ future.
The news of her decommitment, which came after months of speculation, has quickly dominated the headlines, changing the dynamics of the 2025 recruiting class. Watkins, who is considered one of the top prospects in women’s college basketball, had previously committed to USC in what appeared to be a solid choice for both her and the program. However, the highly-touted guard, known for her explosive scoring ability and incredible basketball IQ, has decided to take her talents to Knoxville instead, where the Volunteers have been building a championship-caliber program under head coach Kellie Harper.
The flip to Tennessee is a massive win for the Volunteers, who have been on an upward trajectory in recent years. With Watkins now in the fold, Tennessee not only secures one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation but also strengthens their already impressive roster, which is poised for national contention in the coming seasons. Harper’s program has steadily improved, and the addition of Watkins could push them into the upper echelon of NCAA women’s basketball, making them a serious title contender in the SEC and nationally.
Kentucky, another heavy hitter in women’s basketball, was also in the running for Watkins’ commitment, and many had pegged the Wildcats as a potential landing spot. However, despite their rich history and ongoing success, they fell short in the battle for the five-star guard, leaving head coach Kyra Elzy and the Wildcats to regroup after missing out on one of the top players in the class.
Watkins’ decision has sparked widespread discussion across the country, particularly regarding her reasons for choosing Tennessee over USC and Kentucky. According to sources close to the situation, Watkins cited several key factors that influenced her decision, including Tennessee’s strong coaching staff, their culture of excellence, and the chance to compete for a national title. Watkins, who has been lauded for her leadership on and off the court, values a winning environment that nurtures both personal and team growth, and she believes Tennessee offers the best platform for her to achieve her goals.
Her decision also underscores the increasing competitiveness of the women’s college basketball recruiting landscape. While USC had seemed to be the clear frontrunner, Tennessee’s ability to maintain a steady trajectory and present a strong basketball culture ultimately swayed Watkins’ choice. It’s a testament to the rise of programs like Tennessee, who are no longer overshadowed by the blue bloods of the game, but rather are firmly in the conversation for the country’s elite talent.
For USC, the news comes as a significant blow to their 2025 recruiting class, which had hoped to build around the addition of Watkins. The Trojans have already made strides under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, but Watkins’ commitment was expected to take their program to new heights. With her decommitment, USC will now have to regroup and focus on other prospects, hoping to land another star to fill the void left by Watkins.
As for JuJu Watkins, her future in Knoxville looks incredibly bright. She will join a growing group of talent at Tennessee and is poised to become one of the premier players in women’s college basketball in the coming years. With a championship mindset and a team ready to contend, Watkins’ decision is sure to reshape the landscape of women’s college hoops for
years to come.
