USC Star JuJu Watkins to Sit Out 2025-26 NCAA Season

Los Angeles, CA – In a decision that has caught the attention of many college basketball fans, USC star JuJu Watkins announced via social media on Sunday that she will not play for the Trojans during the upcoming 2025-26 NCAA season. This announcement comes after Watkins suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament.

Watkins, who has been a standout player for USC, shared that she plans to “fully focus on continuing to recover.” In her heartfelt statement, she expressed gratitude for the support she has received, saying, “These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest, and reflection. 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.”

She further noted, “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 has remained involved with the team during her rehab and was present during the Trojans’ summer practices, although she did not participate during their official practices starting on September 23.

USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb acknowledged the situation, stating, “JuJu’s health and well-being are our top priority, and we fully support her decision to focus on recovery this season.” She added, “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.”

Last season, Watkins was exceptional, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks. She earned various accolades, including Naismith Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year. Her injury occurred during a match against Mississippi State, where her knee buckled as she drove to the basket, leaving her unable to play as the Trojans advanced to the Elite Eight.

As she enters her junior season, Watkins finds herself in a unique position regarding her future. Under current WNBA draft rules, she won’t be eligible to declare for the draft until 2027, unless the rules change as part of ongoing negotiations related to the collective bargaining agreement.

Watkins previously expressed her desire for changes to the age limit in the WNBA, saying, “There’s just been such a growth in college basketball where it’s like, why would you want to leave?” She believes that college basketball can help athletes develop their skills and brand before entering the professional arena.

As Watkins focuses on her recovery this season, her teammates and the USC community continue to rally behind her, eagerly anticipating her return to the court.