Image Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Juju Watkins Injury Update: What Happened to Juju Watkins? When Will the USC Trojans Star Return to Action

USC superstar faces extended recovery

Image Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Juju Watkins will not return to the court this season. The USC sophomore star confirmed she will sit out the 2025-26 campaign while recovering from a torn ACL suffered last March.

The injury occurred during USC’s second-round NCAA Tournament win over Mississippi State in March 2025. Juju Watkins went down in the first quarter while driving to the basket and could not put weight on her right leg.

She was carried off the floor, then transported to the locker room and later the university’s medical center for an MRI. The scan revealed a torn ACL, ruling her out for the rest of the year.

JuJu Watkins has announced that she will not compete during the 2025-26 season to focus on her recovery from injury.

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— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) September 29, 2025

Juju Watkins Releases Statement on Her Absence

Juju Watkins announced she would not play this season. “These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest, and reflection,” she said. She thanked fans for their support and explained her decision: “Following the advice of my doctors and trainers, I will sit out this season and fully focus on continuing to recover so I can come back to the game I love.”

Watkins joins a list of college stars who have endured the same injury, including Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles. Recovery timelines vary, usually ranging from nine to 18 months. Paige Bueckers, for example, missed just over a full year before returning to play.

At only 19, Juju Watkins benefits from youth and strong conditioning, which should aid her rehabilitation. Still, the path back is uncertain. Each athlete recovers differently, and her return to peak form could take longer than a single season.

Juju Watkins, leaves a major gap for the Trojans. Fans now must wait to see when she will once again command the spotlight in Los Angeles. For now, her focus will be on healing and preparing for the next stage of her career.