USC Star JuJu Watkins Nears Full On-Court Return After ACL Tear

Watkins says she's 'getting closer to the finish line' in her recovery process.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:05pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the explosive movement and energy of a basketball player driving to the hoop, their face and jersey blurred into vibrant brushstrokes.Watkins' determined recovery from a devastating knee injury exemplifies the perseverance and passion of elite college basketball players.Durham Today

USC guard JuJu Watkins, the 2025 National Player of the Year, is nearing a full return to on-court activities after tearing her ACL during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Watkins, who missed the entire 2025-26 season, said she's only a 'couple more months' away from being ready for next season.

Why it matters

Watkins is one of the top women's college basketball players in the country, and her return to full health will be a major boost for USC as they look to contend for a national championship next season. Her recovery process also provides insight into the challenges and timelines for elite athletes recovering from serious knee injuries.

The details

Watkins tore the ACL in her right knee during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, cutting short her standout season. She has been limited to shooting drills during Team USA's training camp, but said she's 'getting closer to the finish line' in her recovery. Watkins didn't provide an exact timeline, but said she'll be ready to return to the court next season.

  • Watkins tore her ACL in March 2025 during the NCAA Tournament.
  • Watkins attended Team USA's training camp in December 2025 and April 2026.

The players

JuJu Watkins

A star guard for the USC Trojans women's basketball team, Watkins was the 2025 National Player of the Year before suffering a season-ending ACL tear.

Sue Bird

The Managing Director of the USA Women's National Team, Bird spoke about Watkins' recovery process and her own experience returning from an ACL tear as a player.

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What they’re saying

“I'll be ready for next season, so that's all I matters.”

— JuJu Watkins, USC Guard

“Obviously tearing your ACL as a young player is not fun, but I can speak firsthand. You do learn a lot from the (recovery) experience and just in talking to her you can see she's in a really settled place, a really calm place. I think (she's) ready to get back on the court. I'm sure she's itching to do that ... I know she'll have a great summer and then hopefully we see back on the court next year.”

— Sue Bird, Managing Director, USA Women's National Team

What’s next

Watkins will continue her recovery process over the next couple of months, with the goal of being fully cleared to return to the court for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Watkins' recovery from a devastating ACL tear demonstrates the resilience and determination of elite athletes, as well as the challenges they face in returning to top form after a major injury. Her experience provides hope and inspiration for other players working their way back from similar setbacks.