Southern California Trojans superstar JuJu Watkins will miss the 2025-26 college women’s basketball season as she continues to focus on her recovery.
Watkins announced the news Sunday evening.
“These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest and reflection,” Watkins said in an Instagram story and in a USC press release. “Recovering from this injury hasn’t been easy, and I want to say thank you — your love, support and kind words have truly lifted me up during one of the most challenging times in my life. Because you’ve been with me every step of the way, I wanted you to hear it from me directly that, 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 had her postseason cut short after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during an NCAA Tournament second-round game against Mississippi State on March 24, 2025.
The guard was injured on a fast break when she planted her leg down and her knee gave out while attempting to cut to avoid a defender.
She finished last season with several accolades, including the Women’s Wooden Award and Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year honor.
She also became the first Division 1 player to record at least 35 points, five blocks and five assists in a game in the past 20 years.
“JuJu’s health and well-being are our top priority, and we fully support her decision to focus on recovery this season,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in the release. “While we will certainly miss her impact on the court, she continues to play a vital role in our program as a leader and teammate.
