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USC star JuJu Watkins says she will miss entire 2025-26 season while recovering from ACL tear

After suffering a devastating ACL tear during last year's NCAA tournament, USC star guard JuJu Watkins won't be returning to the court this year.

Watkins announced Sunday that she will miss the entire 2025-2026 season while recovering from the injury, citing her doctors. The junior guard made the announcement in a story on her Instagram, before USC confirmed the news in a press release.

"These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest, and reflection. 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 wrote in a statement on social media and in the release. "Because you've been with me every step of the way, I wanted you to hear it from me directly that following the advice of my doctors and trainers, I will sit out this season and fully focus on continuing to recover so I can come back to the game I love."

Watkins went on to thank her family, teammates, coaches and USC staff for their support. "I'm excited to keep putting the work in to come back even stronger," she said.