Why JuJu Watkins isn't playing tonight for USC with season-long injury news

The USC Trojans have had to navigate this season differently than they would've wanted.

JuJu Watkins remains with the team, but she isn't playing. It's not how anyone would've drawn up this journey at USC.

They find themselves in the Round of 32 with a massive task on Monday night. They're at South Carolina to take on the 1-seed Gamecocks, while USC is just a 9-seed.

And yep, it'll have to happen without JuJu.

MORE: Audi Crooks has an Iowa State decision to make

Why isn't JuJu Watkins playing tonight?

Watkins was injured at the end of last season and hasn't played this entire season.

Watkins tore her right ACL during the second round of the tourney in March 2025.

"These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest, and reflection," Watkins posted to her Instagram story in September. "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."

MORE: Is Bill Self retiring as Kansas coach?

She won't be back until the 2026-27 season. She has already been ruled out for the entirety of the 2025-26 season.

"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 wrote on Instagram in September.

As a sophomore, Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

More March Madness news:

• Bryce James has a quiet role in March Madness
• Caleb Wilson shares honest feelings about staying at UNC
• How to tell the Boozer twins apart
• Darryn Peterson deals with cramps, commitment concerns
• NBA Draft scouting report on Florida's 7-foot-9 center
• Syracuse, Gerry McNamara, a near upset and a head coaching gig