USC women’s basketball standout and All-American JuJu Watkins announced on Sunday, September 28, her decision to sit out the 2025-26 season to focus on recovering from a season-ending injury sustained during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. In a heartfelt message, Watkins expressed gratitude for the support she received during her challenging recovery, stating, “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.”
Watkins confirmed that after consulting with her doctors and trainers, she would dedicate this season to her recovery to return to the sport she loves. “I’m incredibly thankful for my family, teammates, coaches, the USC training personnel, and everyone who’s continued to support me every day through this journey. I’m excited to keep putting in work to come back even stronger,” she added.
USC head women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb also voiced her support for Watkins’ decision, emphasizing that her health and well-being are the program’s top priority. “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. The strength and maturity she has shown through this process is a reflection of who she is, and we know the Trojan Family will continue to rally behind her,” Gottlieb said.
Watkins had an extraordinary season in 2024-25, earning nearly every major national honor, including the Naismith Trophy and the John R. Wooden Award. She led the Trojans to a Big Ten regular-season title and an NCAA Tournament berth while averaging 23.9 points and 3.4 assists per game. Over her two seasons at USC, Watkins has established herself as one of the program’s most decorated players, having reached 1,000 career points faster than any player in USC history and ranking high on the all-time scoring list.
As USC prepares for the upcoming season as the defending Big Ten champions, the team is coming off back-to-back NCAA Elite Eight appearances and a record-setting 30-win campaign, marking a return to national prominence under Coach Gottlieb’s leadership. Despite Watkins’ absence, the Trojan Family remains optimistic about her recovery and eventual return to the court.