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BREAKING: JuJu Watkins Commits to Tennessee Lady Vols Over Top Contenders
Knoxville, TN – September 5, 2025
In a monumental win for Tennessee women’s basketball, superstar guard JuJu Watkins has officially announced her decision to join the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, choosing the historic SEC powerhouse over a host of elite programs.
Watkins, widely regarded as one of the top players in women’s college basketball, made her commitment public via a social media post that featured her donning the iconic orange and white Lady Vols jersey, accompanied by the caption:
> “Rocky Top… I’m home.”
The decision sent shockwaves throughout the college basketball world, as Watkins had been heavily recruited by several top-tier programs, including LSU, South Carolina, and UConn.
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A Game-Changer Joins Rocky Top
JuJu Watkins, known for her electric scoring ability, lockdown defense, and clutch performances, was a national sensation during her high school career and made a major impact at the collegiate level shortly thereafter. Her transfer to Tennessee is not just a win on the court — it’s a statement about where the Lady Vols program is headed.
With Watkins on board, Tennessee instantly becomes a national title contender.
> “JuJu is the kind of player who shifts the entire identity of a team,” said one college basketball analyst. “Her commitment to Tennessee says a lot about the culture Coach Harper is building.”
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Why Tennessee?
Sources close to Watkins say her decision came down to a few key factors:
Legacy of the Lady Vols: With legendary coach Pat Summitt’s legacy still echoing through the halls of Thompson-Boling Arena, the program’s tradition and standard of excellence made a lasting impression.
Head Coach Kellie Harper’s vision: Watkins was reportedly impressed with Harper’s player-first coaching style and long-term vision for returning Tennessee to championship glory.
Opportunity to lead: Rather than join a program that already has a stacked roster of stars, Watkins saw Tennessee as a place where she could step in as a leader and elevate the team to new heights.
> “I wanted to go somewhere I could make a real impact — not just as a player, but as a leader,” Watkins said in her announcement interview. “Tennessee felt like the right place — like family.”
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Lady Vols Nation Reacts
Fans across the Volunteer State and beyond took to social media to celebrate the news. Hashtags like #JuJuToRockyTop and #LadyVolsReloaded trended nationally within hours of the announcement.
Former Lady Vols legends also chimed in:
“Big-time move. JuJu’s going to carry the torch well,” tweeted WNBA star and former Lady Vol, Candace Parker.
“This is what building a dynasty looks like,” said Tamika Catchings, another Tennessee legend.
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Looking Ahead
With JuJu Watkins in orange, expectations for the 2025–2026 season just skyrocketed. Pairing her with a talented returning core and a strong incoming recruiting class, Tennessee could be on the verge of its first Final Four run in years — and maybe even a shot at the national title.
Head Coach Kellie Harper kept her reaction measured but enthusiastic:
> “JuJu is an incredible talent and an even better person. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Lady Vol family. The journey is just beginning.”
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Bottom line: Tennessee didn’t just land a player — they secured a future legend. And with JuJu Watkins on Rocky Top, the rest of the college basketball world has officially been put on notice.
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