Watkins saw limited playing time as a freshman at Louisville in 2020, recording eight receptions for 57 yards.[1][5] In 2021, he placed second on the team with 35 catches for 529 yards and four touchdowns.[6] He entered the NCAA transfer portal following the season.[6]
Ole Miss
Watkins ended up transferring to the Ole Miss Rebels for the 2022 season.[7] In his first year there, he started 10 games and caught 40 passes for 449 yards and two touchdowns.[8] In 2023, he caught 53 passes for 741 yards and three touchdowns, earning honorable mention All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors from College Football Network.[1][9] He announced a return for a final season in 2024, rather than declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.[9]
During a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on November 2, 2024, Watkins caught eight passes for 254 yards and five touchdowns, setting the Ole Miss single-game records for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, even though he had never before had a multi-touchdown game.[10][11]
Personal life
Watkins has a daughter who was born in October 2024.[11]