JuJu Watkins Suffers ACL Injury During NCAA Tournament
In a heartbreaking turn of events, USC Trojans basketball star JuJu Watkins sustained a torn ACL during the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The injury occurred during a fast break against Mississippi State in the first quarter of the game on Monday night.
Impact on the Trojans’ Title Aspirations
This setback will significantly hinder the two-time All-American’s participation in upcoming games, jeopardizing the Trojans’ aspirations for a national championship in 2025. Additionally, this injury sidelines a key figure in women’s sports marketing—Watkins, who has sponsorships with major brands like State Farm and Nike, will be absent from the court. Throughout her career, she has averaged an impressive 25.5 points per game, drawing national attention to the Trojans.
Heightened Risk of Knee Injuries in Female Athletes
Watkins’ injury reflects a concerning trend among elite female athletes, who face a disproportionately high risk of knee injuries. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), women are approximately 3.5 times more likely to suffer ACL tears while playing basketball compared to their male counterparts. Research indicates that female athletes across all sports are uniquely vulnerable to such injuries.
Recent Cases of Knee Injuries in Women’s College Basketball
Recent years have seen many distinguished female college basketball players confront similar injuries, including Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd from UConn, Liz Kitley of Virginia Tech, Olivia Miles from Notre Dame, and Rori Harmon of Texas. Thankfully, each of these athletes has fully rehabilitated and successfully returned to the court.
Factors Contributing to ACL Injuries
Research from Johns Hopkins reveals that female athletes might be more prone to ACL tears due to several factors, including looser knee joints, lower muscle mass around the knees, and distinct movement patterns. Additional insights from Northwestern Medicine suggest that differences in landing mechanics and hormonal variations could also be contributing factors.
USC’s Strategies Moving Forward
With Watkins ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, USC will rely on recent transfers and recruits, including standout All-American transfer Kiki Iriafen, to strive for a deep postseason run. The Trojans maintain optimism, determined to build on Watkins’ leadership and spirit even in her absence.
Acknowledging JuJu Watkins’ Legacy
“I hope [JuJu] can realize the profound impact she has here, which transcends her remarkable skills and talents,” stated USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb during the postgame press conference. “Her ability to inspire and unite those around her is truly generational.”
Future Prospects for Watkins
As a sophomore, Watkins is not eligible for the WNBA Draft until 2027, considering current regulations. However, potential changes in the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement could alter this timeline. Assuming no adjustments to the draft rules, USC may have the privilege of one more season with the talented guard once she recovers.
