USC Star JuJu Watkins Says She’ll Be Out For The Season As She Recovers Arom ACL Injury
Southern California’s brightest basketball star, JuJu Watkins, announced on Instagram she will miss the 2025–26 season as she continues to recover from an ACL tear suffered during the NCAA Tournament last spring.
“These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest, and reflection,” Watkins wrote on Instagram. “Recovering from this injury hasn’t been easy… I will sit out this season and fully focus on continuing to recover so I can come back to the game I love.”
USC’s Historic Run Without Its Leader
Watkins, now a junior, was named AP Player of the Year in 2024 after leading USC to its best season in four decades. She became only the fourth sophomore in history to claim the award, joining Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris (2007) and UConn greats Maya Moore (2009) and Breanna Stewart (2014).
Despite the setback, USC enters the new season as the defending Big Ten regular season champion and looks to build on back-to-back Elite Eight appearances.
Watkins’ Impact and Recovery
Before her injury against Mississippi State, Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. She already ranks ninth on USC’s all-time scoring list and remains ineligible for the WNBA draft until she turns 22 or completes her degree.
“JuJu’s health and well-being are our top priority,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “While we will miss her impact on the court, she continues to be a vital leader and teammate. The strength and maturity she has shown through this process is a reflection of who she is.”
