When will JuJu Watkins return? ACL recovery timeline, more to know about USC women's basketball star's injury

Women's college basketball has had plenty of stars on its hardwood over the past year. None have quite hit the heights of USC supernova JuJu Watkins, however.

The Los Angeles native put forth a pair of wondrous campaigns in Pasadena in 2023-24 and 2024-25, capturing a litany of accolades, including consensus Player of the Year honors. More appeared to be in store for the two-way talent prior to the onset of the 2025 NCAA tournament -- the Trojans were one of the nation's top sides, capturing a coveted No. 1 seed.

Watkins was unable to participate fully in the action, picking up an ACL injury two rounds into USC's run. She has yet to return to the floor in the year since her malady, although she is expected to be back in the famous Trojans strip before long.

With that, here's a look back at Watkins' injury, as well as a timetable for her return to action.

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What is JuJu Watkins' injury?

Watkins is recovering a torn ACL she suffered during last year's NCAA tournament. The 20-year-old is back on the floor, having announced in December that she began participating in light workouts.

Her practice sessions are marked by shooting drills, ball-handling exercises and more.

“I’m in a really good place,” Watkins told The Athletic. "I’m continuing to go through it, but not taking any day for granted. Trying to get out there as soon as I can, but also listening to my body. I’m still growing as a player, even though I’m not out there.”

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What happened to JuJu Watkins?

Watkins sustained a torn ACL during USC's second-round win over Mississippi State during the 2025 NCAA tournament.

Watkins fell to the ground while driving to the basket. She struggled to put weight on her right knee as she left the floor, needing to be carried to the locker room. There, she underwent an MRI, revealing that she had ruptured her ACL.

Watkins initially held out hope that she'd be able to make a momentous return before the end of the 2025-26 season. Eventually, she had to come to terms with the reality that she wouldn't be back in Trojans colors until 2026-27.

"Getting over that mental curve has been the biggest thing," Watkins said in December, per ESPN.

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When will JuJu Watkins return?

All signs are pointing to Watkins returning to the floor some time during the 2026-27 season. Assuming her recovery is going as planned, Watkins should be good to suit up for USC at the start of the campaign.

ACL recovery timeline

Watkins is one of multiple college basketball standouts who faced a lengthy absence due to torn ACL. She was preceded by Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles, all of whom produced enchanting displays upon their return to action.

Bueckers was fully cleared to return to action one year after she went down. The same was true for Fudd. Miles, meanwhile, took 21 months to prance back onto the floor. Assuming Watkins is fully cleared to return at the start of next year, that would put her recovery time at 20 months.

JuJu Watkins WNBA draft

Watkins was considered the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft prior to her injury. Given Bueckers, Fudd and Miles' impressive showcases in the years since they suffered their ACL tears, it's likely she'll retain that reputation when she trots back onto the floor during the 2026-27 season.

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