Shabana Azeez addressed whether Jalen Thomas Brooks is returning as her love interest on The Pitt amid his success on Off Campus.
“Well, Jalen is booked and busy on Off Campus, so I’m very happy for him,” Azeez, 29, exclusively told Us on Monday, September 14, on the 2026 Emmys red carpet.
Azeez remained mum on what that meant for Brooks’ role as Mateo — but weighed in on the chances of her making a cameo on Off Campus, quipping, “I can’t play hockey. I would kill somebody if you gave me one of those sticks.”
The actress also teased what is in store for her character, Javadi, in season 3 of The Pitt.
“She’s in psychiatry, so it’s very different and very taxing in a different way. I’m really excited for people to see actual psychiatry on our show,” she noted. “And it’s an honor to get to explore a new part of healthcare.”
Azeez continued: “They do really impactful work, and I think they very rarely get their flowers. We got to shout out psychiatrists a little more.”
Based on Elle Kennedy‘s book series, Off Campus follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak and self-discovery — forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood,” per the show’s official synopsis.
Season 1, which premiered in May, was centered on Hannah (Ella Bright) and Garrett’s (Belmont Cameli) love story.
Going by Kennedy’s book order, Logan’s (Antonio Cipriano) story was expected to be next, followed by Dean’s (Stephen Kalyn) and Tucker’s (Brooks). News broke, however, that Dean and Allie (Mika Abdalla) would be leading season 2 in a surprising shakeup.
Despite the wait for Tucker’s season, fans have already been dream-casting his future love interest — with Azeez in the running. Chandler Kinney has also been suggested after her roles on Pretty Little Liars and Elle.
“I would be so game. Oh, my goodness, are you kidding? That would be such a joy,” Kinney, 25, gushed exclusively to Us in June.
Kinney specifically addressed Us‘ hope to have her play Sabrina, saying, “I know the whole cast is so fun, and I’ve heard so many stories about just the blast that they’re having over there. I would love to join in on that. Let’s put it out into the ether.”
She added: “Let the people start talking about it. Jalen is awesome, and he’s such a sweetheart. I’ve known him for a while now, and he’s such a talent, too. People really loved his work on The Pitt, and now seeing him in Off Campus, they just get to love him even more.”
The actress said it would be “a dream” to potentially appear on Off Campus after watching a few episodes.
“The only reason why I’m a little slow [in catching up on season 1] is because [my Elle costar] Lexi [Minetree] and I are currently watching it together. We are in production, and we work really long days, so it’s hard to find time to squeeze it in,” Kinney explained to Us. “We made a pact that we’re not allowed to watch it without the other, so that’s why I haven’t binged the entire thing in one sitting yet. But I’m hooked.”
Kinney was thrilled for Cipriano’s success on the show as Logan after PLL, adding, “I’ve been a big fan of his for years and years. I’m so overjoyed that the world is finally getting on the Antonio train because he’s just such a light of a human — and I’m also good friends with Jalen as well, who’s incredible on the show. They actually just got back to Vancouver for their second season, and so, I think we’re going to get a little Elle and Off Campus picnic going soon.”
The Pitt season 3 premieres on HBO Max in January 2027.
