It was supposed to be another dazzling chapter in JuJu Watkins’ young career. Instead, Monday night turned into a nightmare for the USC Trojans’ sophomore sensation and her legion of fans. During the opening minutes of their second-round NCAA Tournament clash with Mississippi State, Watkins went down hard—and didn’t get back up. By Tuesday morning, the news hit like a gut punch: a torn ACL in her right knee, season over, surgery on the horizon.
The Galen Center crowd held its breath as it happened. Just under five minutes into the game, with USC up 13–2, Watkins drove hard to the rim on a fast break. After dodging one defender, she planted her right leg—and it gave out instantly. The awkward buckle made everyone in the building wince. She collapsed to the court, hands gripping her leg, face twisted in agony. Trainers rushed in, teammates surrounded her, and she was eventually helped off the floor. She wouldn’t return. A fan on X summed up the mood, saying they knew it was bad the moment she couldn’t walk.
USC confirmed the worst on Tuesday, announcing via their official X account (@USCWBB) that Watkins had torn her ACL and would be out for the remainder of the 2024–2025 season. They added that she is scheduled for surgery soon, followed by a long rehab process. No exact date for the operation has been given yet.
At just 19, Watkins has been the heartbeat of USC’s program and one of the most exciting players in college basketball. Averaging 24.6 points, seven rebounds, and over three assists per game, she led the Trojans to a 30–3 record and earned them a No. 1 seed. Her talent, charisma, and story—hailing from Watts and choosing to stay local to resurrect USC basketball—drew Caitlin Clark comparisons and filled arenas.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb admitted it shook the team. Speaking after the game, she said that seeing JuJu crying on the court rattled her deeply, though she emphasized that Watkins is tough and is in great hands with the medical team at Keck Medicine. The pain is even more intense considering that just a few days earlier, during USC’s first-round win over UNC Greensboro, Watkins had tweaked her ankle and wrist, only to bounce back and score 22 points. This time, though, there would be no bouncing back.
Despite losing their leader, USC responded with heart. The Trojans dominated Mississippi State, cruising to a 96–59 victory. Senior forward Kiki Iriafen led the charge with a career and program tournament-high 36 points, shooting 16-for-22 from the floor. Gottlieb praised the effort, saying the team played for JuJu, and the fans, bench, and entire roster lifted each other up in her absence.
Now, the team moves on to the Sweet 16 in Spokane, where they’ll face No. 5 Kansas State on March 28 or 29. Without Watkins, the road to a national title—which USC hasn’t claimed since 1984—becomes much tougher. Iriafen remains a force, and freshman Kennedy Smith has shown flashes of promise, but replacing a once-in-a-generation player like Watkins is no small task.
A torn ACL is among the most serious injuries in sports, typically requiring eight to twelve months of recovery. That timeline means Watkins could miss the start of next season as well. Still, those close to her know how mentally strong she is. Fans from across the basketball world are sending love and encouragement. Angel Reese was among the many who posted on X, telling her to “get well, JuJu,” while thousands of others offered similar messages.
Watkins’ injury isn’t just a blow to USC—it’s a loss for the entire women’s college basketball landscape. Her breakout season had driven up TV ratings and brought more attention to the sport. Her absence removes one of the tournament’s brightest stars and possibly kills the hype for a dream Elite Eight matchup with UConn. ESPN host Elle Duncan said what many were thinking when she bluntly stated that this changes everything.
JuJu Watkins’ injury is the kind of moment that hits deeper than sports. It’s a reminder of how fragile greatness can be, and how quickly momentum can shift. USC’s season continues, but Watkins’ absence will be felt in every game. Still, this may only be the beginning of her story. If anyone has the drive to return stronger and rise again, it’s JuJu. The comeback starts now, and the basketball world will be watching.