Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

USC Star JuJu Watkins Out for 2025-26 Season After ACL Tear

9/29/2025

46 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

JuJu Watkins of the University of Southern California (USC) will miss 2025-26 after a torn ACL in the NCAA Tournament on March 24, 2025.
She posted on social media; recovery is 9–12 months.
Last season she averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, AP Player of Year.
Gottlieb expressed support; USC opens vs New Mexico State on November 4, 2025.

History

Historical Context

Title IX, enacted in 1972, mandated equal opportunities for women in education and athletics, leading to a significant rise in female participation in sports. By 2020, the NCAA reported a 63% increase in female athletes. JuJu Watkins, a standout at USC, exemplifies this progress, averaging 27.1 points per game in her freshman season before suffering an ACL injury in 2025.

1 of 2

Story summary

JuJu Watkins of the University of Southern California (USC) will miss 2025-26 after a torn ACL in the NCAA Tournament on March 24, 2025.
She posted on social media; recovery is 9–12 months.
Last season she averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, AP Player of Year.
Gottlieb expressed support; USC opens vs New Mexico State on November 4, 2025.

1 / 2