JuJu Watkins Sets Stage for USC Women’s Basketball Revival

JuJu Watkins, the electrifying guard for the USC Trojans, is set to make her highly anticipated return to the court for the 2025‑26 season. After sitting out the previous year while rehabbing a torn ACL, Watkins is poised to reunite with a talented roster that is hungry for a first national championship since 1984. This preview explores how her comeback could reshape USC’s playoff prospects, the supporting cast that will accompany her, and what fans can expect as the team kicks off its schedule in the Hall of Fame Series.

From ACL Injury to Court‑side Hero: Watkins’ Remarkable Comeback

Watkins suffered the ACL tear during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, a blow that sidelined her for the entire 2024‑25 campaign. The injury required an extensive rehabilitation program, but her determination has been evident in every public appearance since. “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.”

Her return was highlighted in an exhibition win over California, where she posted an impressive 18 points in 22 minutes. The performance underscored her readiness and hinted at the offensive firepower she will bring to a USC team that finished the previous season ranked No. 3 and hungry for a deep run. “I’ve had dreams about that every night,” she added. “I might shed a tear, honestly, I can’t lie. That’ll be a really amazing feeling for me.”

Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) during pregame warmups before an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. (Robert Hanashiro‑Imagn Images)

How Watkins’ Return Bolsters USC’s Championship Hopes

Watkins’ first two seasons with USC saw her averaging 25.6 points per game, establishing herself as the backbone of a scoring‑driven attack. Now, with her return, the Trojans—ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls—are positioned to contend for their first national championship since 1984. Her experience, combined with a seasoned supporting cast, gives coach Lindsay Gottlieb a blueprint for a run that could end a 40‑year title drought.

Off the court, Watkins has embraced a leadership role that extends beyond her on‑court responsibilities. “Last season, Watkins would set up chairs in the locker room for the team talk on the road,” the article notes. “It was one of the small ways she found to be useful without being on the court. I was able to take on a leadership role for sure, and I can’t say I really owned that role prior to that.” This growth in her “IQ and leadership skills” will be an asset as USC navigates the rigors of a deep tournament run.

Southern California guard JuJu Watkins (12) controls the ball against Mississippi State guard Jerkaila Jordan (2) during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Monday, March 24, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

The Supporting Cast: New Faces and Familiar Stars

USC’s resurgence isn’t solely dependent on Watkins. The backcourt will feature Big Ten Freshman of the Year **Jazzy Davidson**, who averaged 17.9 points last season. Though this is their first year playing together, the duo began building chemistry while Watkins recovered, often with Watkins offering encouragement from the sideline. “She saw me being hard on myself and I think she saw a little bit of her in me,” Davidson reflected, “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 roster also boasts guard **Saniyah Hall**, who erupted for 23 points, six rebounds, and five steals in the Trojans’ exhibition contest, and forward **Sara Okeke**, one of three five‑star recruits to join the lineup. Coach Gottlieb praised the newcomers: “They have proven that they’re going to be really impactful players at a high level.”

What to Expect in the Hall of Fame Series

The Trojans season tips off Monday in Las Vegas against UNLV in the Hall of Fame Series, a premier preseason tournament that often sets the tone for the entire campaign. This matchup will serve as both a warm‑up and a statement, giving fans an early glimpse of how Watkins’ return integrates with the rest of the team. Expect high‑tempo offense, defensive intensity, and the kind of star power that draws comparisons to USC’s historic 1984 squad.

USC women’s basketball guard Juju Watkins (12) looks on before an exhibition game against the California Golden Bears at Galen Center in Los Angeles, California on Oct. 25, 2026. (Melina Pizano/Getty Images)

Expert Insight: Leadership and Chemistry on and off the Court

Beyond her statistical contributions, Watkins’ leadership has become a cornerstone of the Trojans’ culture. During last season’s road trips, she organized team discussions, creating a supportive environment that helped teammates navigate the absence of a key player. This off‑court mentorship is expected to accelerate the development of young talent like Davidson and reinforce a cohesive unit that can execute both in‑game strategies and maintain composure under pressure.

“She saw me being hard on myself and I think she saw a little bit of her in me,” Davidson said, “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.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Watkins’ Return

• When did Watkins injure her ACL? She tore it during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, ending her 2024‑25 season.
• How long is the typical ACL recovery timeline? Most players require 9‑12 months of rehab; Watkins has followed an intensive program to be ready for the 2025‑26 season.
• What role will she fill on the court? She is slated to start at guard, bringing her elite scoring and playmaking to a team that needs a go‑to scorer.
• How does her return affect USC’s championship prospects? Her presence adds a proven scorer and leader, boosting the Trojans’ chances to capture their first national title since 1984.
• What should fans expect from the Hall of Fame Series? Expect a fast‑paced contest that showcases Watkins’ sharpness and the team’s overall cohesion as they open the season.

Why Fans Should Watch the 2025‑26 Season

The upcoming campaign is more than just a collection of games; it’s a narrative of redemption and resurgence. With Watkins back, USC has a legitimate blueprint to move beyond the “almost there” label that has followed the program for over a decade. The convergence of veteran poise and fresh talent creates a compelling story line that will draw casual fans and die‑hard basketball enthusiasts alike.

Beyond the star power, the season will serve as a laboratory for how college basketball adapts to evolving strategies, the transfer portal, and the increasing emphasis on player health and wellness. Expect intense competition, potential upsets, and moments that will define the careers of many of these athletes.

Broader Impact: Transfer Portal and Recruiting Trends

USC’s ability to attract top talent, exemplified by Sara Okeke’s five‑star recruitment and the strategic use of the transfer portal, reflects a broader shift in women’s college basketball. Programs that effectively blend high‑profile recruits with experienced transfers—such as the emergence of players like Saniyah Hall—create rosters that are deeper and more versatile. This trend not only elevates individual teams but also reshapes the competitive landscape of the sport.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for USC Women’s Basketball

JuJu Watkins’ return is more than a single-player comeback; it symbolizes a new chapter for USC women’s basketball. The combination of her proven excellence, the emergence of supportive talent, and a culture of leadership on and off the court sets the stage for a championship-caliber squad. As the Trojans prepare to take the court in the Hall of Fame Series, fans are in for a season that promises excitement, rivalry, and the possibility of rewriting the program’s history.

The 2025‑26 season will be a benchmark for USC, a test of resilience and ambition. With Watkins leading by example and a talented roster following her lead, the future looks brighter than ever for the Trojans and their devoted supporters.

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