JuJu Watkins Returns to USC Court After ACL Injury, Eyes National Championship

JuJu Watkins, a prominent player in women's college basketball, is set to return to the court for the USC Trojans after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that sidelined her last season. Watkins expressed her eagerness for the upcoming season, stating that the anticipation for her return has been a daily thought and that she desires to win the national championship.

During her first two seasons with USC, Watkins averaged 25.6 points per game. She will rejoin a talented USC team ranked No. 3 nationally, which is aiming to secure the program's first national championship since 1984.

"It’s on my mind every day," Watkins said. "So much anticipation has gone into this year. I want it really badly, but also in a healthy way. I just want to have fun and really enjoy this year."

Watkins has visualized her first basket back on the court. "I’ve had dreams about that every night. I might shed a tear, honestly, I can’t lie," she said. "That’ll be a really amazing feeling for me."

In a recent exhibition game against California, Watkins scored 18 points in 22 minutes, offering a preview of her impact.

She will share the backcourt with Jazzy Davidson, who was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and averaged 17.9 points last season. Although this is their first season playing together, the two players began building chemistry while Watkins was recovering from the injury she sustained in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Watkins often supported Davidson from the sideline during her recovery.

"She saw me being hard on myself and I think she saw a little bit of her in me," Davidson said about Watkins. "And so she kind of knew what it was like going through that. Being able to build the friendship that we were able to build, it’s a huge blessing."

The USC roster also features guard Saniyah Hall, who recorded 23 points, six rebounds, and five steals in the Trojans’ exhibition game, and forward Sara Okeke, one of three five-star recruits joining the team. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb commented on the new additions, stating, "They have proven that they’re going to be really impactful players at a high level."

During her rehabilitation, Watkins took on a leadership role, setting up chairs in the locker room for team talks on the road and offering support from the sidelines. She noted that this experience helped her grow her basketball IQ and leadership skills.

The Trojans' season is scheduled to begin Monday in Las Vegas against UNLV as part of the Hall of Fame Series.

Additional reporting was contributed by The Associated Press.