How JuJu Watkins’ Injury Impacts USC, NCAA Title Race, & Beyond

by Kendyll Egan

Monday, March 24th, 2025 USC was up against Mississippi State in the 2nd round. Shortly after tip-off JuJu Watkins- an outstanding player for the Trojans- was dribbling down the court and got sandwiched by 2 players and went hard to the ground. She then started grabbing her knee and screaming in pain. She then was accompanied by her athletic trainer and coaches still in harsh pain. She was then carried off the court and brought into the locker room. Shortly after JuJu was wheeled to a nearby medical facility for an MRI.

Then the tests came back and they said that JuJu had torn her ACL. All of the fans were devastated and so were her teammates. But that didn’t stop her teammates from letting her down. Her teammates pushed and came up with a victory against Mississippi State. USC is now headed to the Sweet Sixteen and they are still dancing trying to get a national championship without their player of the year.