USC Star JuJu Watkins to Miss 2025-26 Season with Injury
USC women’s basketball standout JuJu Watkins will miss the entire 2025-26 season after announcing on social media that she will sit out to focus on recovery from a torn ACL.
The star guard suffered the injury during last season’s NCAA Tournament, exiting in the second round after a non-contact play revealed the severity of the damage. Watkins, who had quickly emerged as one of the brightest young stars in college basketball, has spent the offseason undergoing surgery and rehabilitation but confirmed she won’t return to the court this year.
“Right now, my priority is healing and making sure I come back stronger,” Watkins said in her post. “I’m grateful for all the support from my coaches, teammates, and fans. This is just part of my journey.”
Watkins, who averaged 27 points per game in her freshman season, played a pivotal role in elevating USC to national prominence. Her scoring ability, poise, and leadership made her one of the most talked-about players in the country, drawing comparisons to some of the greats of women’s basketball.
Her absence this upcoming season leaves a major gap for the Trojans, who were expected to be strong contenders in the Big Ten following their conference move. While USC has depth and young talent, replacing Watkins’ production will be nearly impossible.
Still, her long-term outlook remains bright. ACL recoveries typically range from 9 to 12 months, and with modern sports medicine, many athletes have returned to peak performance after such setbacks.
For now, Watkins’ focus will be on recovery and supporting her teammates from the sidelines, with hopes of returning to the court in 2026.
