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1h ago

USC's JuJu Watkins to Miss Entire 2025–26 Season to Continue ACL Recovery

The All-American guard is following medical guidance to prioritize a full rehabilitation.

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 announced on Instagram, later confirmed by USC, that she will sit out the season to focus on recovery.
  • She tore the ACL in her right knee during the March 24 NCAA second-round game against Mississippi State.
  • Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said the program fully supports the decision and emphasized her health comes first.
  • Typical ACL return timelines are cited at roughly 12–18 months; Watkins is expected to take a medical redshirt and remains first draft-eligible in 2027 under current WNBA rules.
  • USC will redistribute roles to newcomers and returners, with No. 1 recruit Jazzy Davidson, sophomore Kennedy Smith and transfer Kara Dunn expected to take on larger workloads.