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2h ago

USC Star JuJu Watkins to Miss 2025–26 Season to Continue ACL Recovery

Acting on doctors’ advice, she announced on Instagram that she will sit the year to heal, preserving eligibility for a later return.

Southern California Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) during pregame warmups before an NCAA Tournament game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Los Angeles on March 24, 2025.
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Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) during pregame warmups before an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Watkins tore the ACL in her right knee during USC’s NCAA second‑round game against Mississippi State on March 24, and an MRI confirmed the rupture.
  • USC and coach Lindsay Gottlieb publicly backed the plan, stressing that her health is the program’s top priority as she focuses on rehabilitation.
  • Medical reporting places typical ACL return timelines around 12–18 months, aligning with her choice to forgo the 2025–26 campaign.
  • The reigning national player of the year (Naismith and Wooden) averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season as USC won the Big Ten and reached the Elite Eight.
  • She retains a medical redshirt and is not WNBA draft‑eligible until 2027 under current rules, leaving future college or pro decisions for a later date.