The USC Trojans women’s basketball team has made a strong impression in their first year in the Big Ten. Led by star guard JuJu Watkins, the Trojans secured the Big Ten regular season title after sweeping UCLA in their season series, finishing the regular season with an impressive 26-2 record.
Watkins entered the season with high expectations and has exceeded them in every way. Her standout performances have boosted her Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) profile, leading to major endorsement deals over the past year. Most recently, she announced a partnership with Degree Deodorant on social media.
As part of her collaboration with Degree, Watkins is promoting a contest where participants have a chance to win tickets to the NCAA Men’s or Women’s Final Four, travel accommodations, and a year’s supply of Degree Whole Body Deodorant.
“As a college athlete, I’m constantly on the move—going from class to practice, reviewing game tapes, and spending time with my team. With long days and intense workouts, stress and sweat are just part of the game, so I need a deodorant that can keep up. Degree’s Whole Body Deodorant is a game-changer for me,” Watkins shared.
This latest NIL deal adds to an impressive portfolio that already includes partnerships with United Airlines, Nike, and Gatorade. According to On3, Watkins ranks sixth in women’s basketball for NIL valuations, with an estimated worth of $739,000 and a social media following of 1.1 million.
After earning All-American honors as a freshman, Watkins has avoided any sophomore slump, averaging 24.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Her outstanding play has propelled USC to its highest AP Top 25 ranking since 1984.
Unlike last season, Watkins isn’t carrying the offensive load alone. USC made a key offseason acquisition by landing one of the nation’s top transfers, Kiki Iriafen from Stanford. Iriafen, a projected WNBA lottery pick, has made an immediate impact, averaging 18.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the Trojans have much to look forward to. As the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, they return to action on March 7. After reaching the Elite Eight last season, USC aims for an even deeper run in the NCAA Tournament, with Watkins and Iriafen making them a formidable contender against any opponent.
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