Mon Oct 06 02:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

USC basketball star JuJu Watkins, recovering from an ACL tear suffered in the NCAA tournament, has announced she will sit out the entire 2025-2026 season to focus on her recovery. Watkins, who recently won the John R. Wooden Award and is already considered a top WNBA prospect, made the decision based on the advice of her doctors and trainers. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb fully supports Watkins’ decision, emphasizing her health and well-being. USC will face significant roster changes next season, including departures of key players, but will welcome top recruit Jasmine Davidson. Watkins is determined to return to the court stronger than ever.

**News Article:**

**JuJu Watkins to Sit Out 2025-26 Season to Recover from ACL Injury**

LOS ANGELES – USC Trojans superstar JuJu Watkins announced Sunday she will miss the entire 2025-26 college basketball season as she continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

The announcement comes after months of speculation and followed Watkins’ appearance on College GameDay in April, where she discussed her recovery journey.

“These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest, and reflection,” Watkins wrote on her Instagram story. “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, who averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists as a sophomore, earned numerous accolades, including the John R. Wooden Award and consecutive first-team All-American honors. The 20-year-old is widely considered a top prospect for the WNBA.

“JuJu’s health and well-being are our top priority, and we fully support her decision to focus on recovery this season,” said USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb in a statement. “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.”

Watkins’ absence will undoubtedly impact the Trojans, who are already facing significant roster turnover with the departures of Kiki Iriafen, Rayah Marshall, Talia von Oelhoffen, Avery Howell and Kayleigh Heckel. However, the arrival of No. 1 recruit Jasmine Davidson is expected to provide a boost to the team.

Despite the setback, Watkins remains optimistic about her return. “I’m excited to keep putting the work in to come back even stronger,” she stated. The Trojan Family eagerly awaits her return to the court.

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