In a stunning turn of events, five-star guard JuJu Watkins, widely regarded as one of the top recruits in women’s college basketball for the Class of 2025, has officially decommitted from the University of Southern California (USC) and flipped her commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers. Watkins’ decision to join the Vols has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, as Tennessee has now secured one of the most coveted prospects in the nation.
The 6-foot guard, known for her scoring prowess, athleticism, and leadership on the court, had been committed to USC for several months but shocked many by announcing that she would be heading to Knoxville, Tennessee, to play for the Volunteers. Her decision comes after months of speculation about where Watkins would land, with schools like the University of Kentucky and the University of Georgia also heavily in the mix.
Watkins made her announcement earlier today through her social media accounts, stating that after careful consideration and reflection, she felt that Tennessee was the best fit for her future both on and off the court. The five-star guard explained that the environment at Tennessee, along with the coaching staff’s vision for her development, played a major role in her decision to flip from USC.
“I am beyond excited to announce that I will be continuing my basketball journey at the University of Tennessee,” Watkins wrote in her post. “I want to thank USC for all of their support and belief in me, but after much thought, I believe that Tennessee is the place where I can grow as both a player and a person. I’m ready to give everything I have to the Volunteers, and I can’t wait to get to Knoxville and start this next chapter.”
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**JuJu Watkins: A Future Star**
JuJu Watkins’ decision to commit to Tennessee is a major coup for the Volunteers, who have now landed one of the best players in the country. As one of the top-rated guards in the Class of 2025, Watkins has been a standout player for Sierra Canyon High School in California, where she has consistently dominated on the court with her scoring ability, court vision, and defensive prowess.
Watkins is known for her versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. A deadly scorer with a smooth jump shot and the ability to finish at the rim, Watkins can play both on and off the ball and is capable of taking over games when needed. She is also an elite defender, using her speed and instincts to shut down opposing players and create turnovers in transition. Her combination of offensive and defensive skills has earned her comparisons to some of the top players in women’s college basketball.
In addition to her impressive skill set, Watkins has also built a reputation for her leadership and competitive drive. Whether it’s guiding her high school team to victories or stepping up in key moments, Watkins has shown that she has the mentality and poise to thrive at the next level.
Her decision to join Tennessee is expected to have an immediate impact on the Volunteers’ program, as she will likely be one of the focal points of the team’s offense upon her arrival in Knoxville. With her ability to score, create for others, and defend, Watkins is poised to make an immediate contribution to a Tennessee team that is looking to return to national prominence.
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**Tennessee: A Rising Power in Women’s Basketball**
Watkins’ commitment to Tennessee is a huge statement for head coach Kellie Harper and her staff, who have worked tirelessly to build a program that is capable of competing for national championships. After a successful 2024-2025 season, where the Vols made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, adding a talent like Watkins solidifies Tennessee’s position as one of the elite programs in women’s college basketball.
Coach Harper, who has brought a new level of energy and success to the Volunteers since taking over in 2020, has been instrumental in building a team that competes year-in and year-out in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With Watkins now in the fold, Tennessee is poised to become even more dangerous on both sides of the ball.
Harper’s system, which emphasizes fast-paced play and a high level of intensity on defense, is a perfect fit for Watkins’ skill set. The addition of the five-star guard provides Tennessee with another dynamic weapon who can both run the floor and contribute in a variety of ways. Whether it’s pushing the tempo in transition, creating scoring opportunities for teammates, or taking on the role of primary scorer, Watkins’ arrival will be a game-changer for the Vols.
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**The Recruitment Process: A Tense Battle**
Watkins’ recruitment process has been one of the most closely followed in women’s basketball, with top-tier programs from across the country vying for her commitment. USC, where Watkins had originally committed, was seen as the frontrunner for much of the process, but the competition never relented.
The University of Kentucky, under head coach Kyra Elzy, was also in the mix, with the Wildcats making a strong push for the five-star guard. Kentucky’s success in recent seasons, including deep NCAA Tournament runs, made them a viable option for Watkins, who was looking for a program with a strong winning tradition.
Similarly, the University of Georgia, led by head coach Joni Taylor, was another top contender. The Bulldogs have been a rising force in the SEC and presented Watkins with the opportunity to play in one of the most competitive conferences in the country.
However, after taking multiple visits and engaging in thorough discussions with each of the programs, Watkins ultimately felt that Tennessee was the best place for her to grow and develop as a player. The Vols’ commitment to player development, their competitive culture, and their vision for Watkins’ role in their system played a key role in her decision.
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**What This Means for Tennessee**
With Watkins now in the fold, Tennessee has positioned itself for even greater success in the coming years. The addition of a player of Watkins’ caliber not only boosts the Vols’ chances of winning an SEC title but also gives them a potential future All-American who can help lead them to a national championship.
Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class is now one of the most impressive in the country, with the addition of Watkins solidifying the Vols’ status as one of the top programs in women’s college basketball. Head coach Kellie Harper and her staff have shown they can recruit at the highest level, and Watkins’ commitment is a testament to the work they’ve done to build a program that attracts elite talent.
For the fans in Knoxville, the arrival of JuJu Watkins is an exciting prospect, and the hope is that she will be the centerpiece of a team that will challenge for titles in the near future. With an already strong roster and a commitment to player development, Tennessee is poised for even greater success with Watkins leading the charge.
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**Conclusion**
JuJu Watkins’ decision to decommit from USC and flip her commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers is a monumental moment for both her career and for Tennessee basketball. As one of the top recruits in the nation, Watkins brings a dynamic skill set that will make an immediate impact on the Vols’ program.
Tennessee fans now have even more reason to be excited for the future, as the addition of Watkins solidifies the Vols as one of the top programs in women’s college basketball. With a proven track record of success under head coach Kellie Harper, Tennessee is ready to continue its ascent to national prominence, and Watkins’ arrival is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new era for the program.
