USC's JuJu Watkins Nears End of Knee Rehab

The star player is working her way back from a torn ACL that sidelined her last season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:22pm

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An abstract expressionist painting using vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes to capture the raw energy and movement of a basketball player, with the player's features dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.Watkins' determined recovery process reflects the passion and drive of elite college basketball players as they work to overcome major injuries.Phoenix Today

USC basketball star JuJu Watkins is nearing the end of her rehab from a torn ACL injury that kept her out of the 2025-26 season. Watkins, the 2024-25 AP Player of the Year, is participating in limited drills with the USA Basketball national team and is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 college season.

Why it matters

Watkins is one of the top players in women's college basketball, and her return will be a major boost for the USC Trojans as they look to build on their 18-14 record from last season without their star. Her recovery process provides insight into the challenges elite athletes face when coming back from serious injuries.

The details

Watkins tore her right ACL in the second round of the 2025 NCAA tournament against Mississippi State on March 24. She has been working her way back, participating in limited drills with the USA Basketball national team in Phoenix. Watkins said the recovery process has taught her patience, with 'ups and downs,' but she is grateful to be nearing the finish line.

  • Watkins tore her ACL on March 24, 2025.
  • She is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 college season.

The players

JuJu Watkins

A star player for the USC Trojans women's basketball team, Watkins was the 2024-25 AP Player of the Year and is the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class.

Sue Bird

The managing director for the USA Basketball national team, who has provided support and insight to Watkins during her recovery process.

Lindsey Gottlieb

The head coach of the USC Trojans women's basketball team, who has signed the No. 1-ranked player in the nation in three of the last four seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Recovery's coming along very well. Just staying with it and I'll be back soon.”

— JuJu Watkins, USC Basketball Player

“JuJu's in a great spot. Obviously, tearing your ACL as a young player is not fun. But, I can speak firsthand, you learn a lot from the experience. And just in talking to her, you can see she's in a really settled place, a really calm place. Ready to get back on the court. I'm sure she's itching to do that.”

— Sue Bird, USA Basketball Managing Director

What’s next

Watkins is expected to be fully cleared and ready to play for the USC Trojans at the start of the 2026-27 college basketball season.

The takeaway

Watkins' recovery process highlights the resilience and determination of elite athletes as they work to overcome serious injuries and return to the court. Her comeback will be a major storyline to follow as the Trojans look to build on their performance last season without their star player.