JuJu Watkins announced her decision to sit out the 2025-2026 USC women’s basketball season in an Instagram story Sunday.
Following last year’s season-ending ACL tear in the second round of March Madness against Mississippi State, the Trojans finished out the season without their star player. After winning the Sweet 16 game against Kansas State, the Trojans fell to the University of Connecticut in the quarterfinals, marking two games without Watkins. Since then, fans have been waiting for an update on whether Watkins will play this season.
Watkins extended her gratitude towards her Trojan family support on her Instagram Story.
“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 wrote.
USC students shared their reactions and well-wishes following this announcement. Joyce Chen, a senior majoring in English literature, was optimistic about their predictions for the team and Watkins’ future post-recovery.
“I know that she’s going to make a huge impact in professional women’s basketball, which the world is really starting to get more interested in,” Chen said.
Chen sympathized with Waktins through her own experience as an athlete suffering from injury. As a golfer who suffered a shoulder injury, Chen reflected on missing opportunities and accolades while sitting out for a year.
As much as fans want Watkins back, Noelle Lehrman, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, understands the time it takes to heal a torn ACL.
“A lot of people wrongfully rush the recovery process, especially when you’re a college athlete or just like an athlete who’s devoted so much of their time to their sport,” Lehrman said. “If anyone were to say she’s taking too long, I feel like they don’t really have an actual say because they’re not her.”
Through watching the team practice with Watkins on social media, Lehrman still believes that the team synergy will overpower the hits they take without Watkins playing.
In a statement from USC Athletics, coach Lindsay Gottlieb shared her hope and support for Watkins.
“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,” Gottlieb said. “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. We look forward to the day she returns to competition stronger than ever.”
The first game of the 2025-2026 season is Nov. 4 at the Galen Center against New Mexico State.