JuJu Watkins out for 2025-26 season: USC star tore ACL during NCAA Tournament

JuJu Watkins, a star player for the University of Southern California (USC) women's basketball team, will miss the entire 2025-26 season after tearing her ACL during the NCAA Tournament. Watkins, who is considered one of the top players in the country, said she wants to "fully focus on continuing to recover" from the injury. The injury is a significant blow to the USC team, which was expected to be a contender for the national championship next season. Watkins was a key contributor for the team, averaging 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game during the 2024-25 season. The recovery process for an ACL tear can be lengthy, typically taking 6-9 months for a full recovery. Watkins is expected to undergo surgery and begin the rehabilitation process immediately, with the goal of returning to the court for the 2026-27 season. Despite the setback, Watkins remains optimistic about her future and is committed to working hard to come back stronger than ever.