JuJu Watkins has been one of the brightest stars in women’s college basketball over the past few seasons. The USC Trojans guard quickly became one of the most recognizable players in the sport thanks to her scoring ability, defensive impact and leadership on the court.
However, her rise was interrupted during the 2025 NCAA Tournament when she suffered a serious knee injury. Since then, Watkins has been focused on recovery and rehabilitation while continuing to support her team from the sidelines.
JuJu Watkins Injury Details
| Player | JuJu Watkins |
|---|---|
| Team | USC Trojans |
| Injury | Torn ACL (Right Knee) |
| Injury Date | March 2025 NCAA Tournament |
| Status | Out for 2025-26 season |
| Expected Return | 2026-27 season |
Watkins tore her ACL during USC’s second-round NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State in March 2025. The injury occurred while she was driving to the basket. She fell to the floor and struggled to put weight on her right knee before being helped to the locker room.
Medical testing later confirmed a ruptured ACL, ending her season immediately.
Why JuJu Watkins Is Not Playing This Season
The injury forced Watkins to miss the entire 2025-26 season. After discussions with doctors and trainers, she decided to focus fully on recovery rather than rushing back to the court.
Watkins explained that the rehabilitation process has required patience and discipline as she works toward returning at full strength.
| Season | Status |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Played full season before injury |
| 2025 NCAA Tournament | ACL injury suffered |
| 2025-26 | Missed entire season |
| 2026-27 | Expected return |
Although she is not playing this season, Watkins has remained closely connected with the team throughout the year.
Recovery Progress and Training
Watkins has gradually returned to basketball activities during the recovery process. She began participating in light workouts that include shooting drills and ball-handling exercises.
JuJu Watkins hasn’t played for USC this season after tearing the ACL in her right knee last March in an NCAA Tournament second-round game against Mississippi State.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 23, 2026
Tuesday marks the one-year anniversary of Watkins’ injury. pic.twitter.com/IQI4U2hyOW
The USC guard has shared that she feels positive about her recovery and is carefully listening to her body as she progresses.
She has also spoken openly about the mental challenges of rehabilitation, describing the recovery period as a time of learning and growth.
Typical ACL Recovery Timeline
| Player | Recovery Time |
|---|---|
| Paige Bueckers | About 12 months |
| Azzi Fudd | About 12 months |
| Olivia Miles | Around 21 months |
| JuJu Watkins (projected) | About 20 months |
ACL injuries typically require a long recovery process in basketball. Many players return after about one year, although some require longer rehabilitation depending on the severity of the injury.
If Watkins returns at the start of the 2026-27 season, her recovery timeline will be close to 20 months.
Also see: Karter Knox Injury Update: Arkansas Forward Undergoes Meniscus Surgery, Razorbacks Adjust Rotation
Impact of Watkins’ Absence on USC
Watkins’ absence has been strongly felt by the USC Trojans this season.
Last year she led the team with outstanding production, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Her performance helped USC finish with a 31-4 record and become one of the top teams in the country.
Without her, the Trojans faced a much more difficult season.
| Category | With Watkins (2024-25) |
|---|---|
| Record | 31-4 |
| Points per game (team) | 80.7 |
| Defensive ranking | Top 3 nationally |
This season USC finished the regular season with an 18-13 record and entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 9 seed.
Watkins Still Leading Off the Court
Even though she has not played, Watkins continues to have an important influence on the team.
She has spent time mentoring younger players and supporting teammates during practices and games. Freshman guard Jazzy Davidson has particularly benefited from her guidance while adjusting to a bigger role on the team.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| JuJu Watkins | Mentor and team leader |
| Jazzy Davidson | Freshman star and key scorer |
Davidson delivered a strong freshman season and even scored 31 points in USC’s March Madness opening-round win over Clemson, showing how the team has continued to grow despite Watkins’ absence.
Also see: Greg McDermott Announces Retirement After Historic 16-Year Run as Creighton Basketball Head Coach
Off-Court Achievements
Watkins’ influence extends beyond basketball as well. During her recovery period, she became the first athlete to receive a signature shoe under Nike’s LeBron NXXT line.
The shoe release has provided additional motivation for her to return to the court and compete again.
Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season
All signs suggest that JuJu Watkins is expected to return during the 2026-27 college basketball season if her recovery continues smoothly.
Before her injury, she was widely viewed as a future top prospect for the WNBA Draft. Many observers believe she will still hold that status once she returns to competition.
For USC, her comeback could mark the beginning of another strong chapter for the program.
One year after the injury that changed the Trojans’ season, Watkins remains the foundation of the team’s future. Her return to the court will be one of the most anticipated moments in women’s college basketball.
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