The USC Trojans are looking to get back to the Elite Eight for a second consecutive season. However, they will be doing it without their unanimous All-American.

In No. 1 seed USC’s 96-59 win over the No. 9 seed Mississippi State Bulldogs in the round of 32, Watkins went down after drawing a foul on a layup attempt. USC fans held their breath as Watkins held her knee, grimacing in pain before being carried off the court.

Watkins was later diagnosed with a torn ACL, ending the rest of her season and jeopardizing the 2025-26 season. 

Through two NCAA Tournament games (33 minutes total), Watkins tallied 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. She also finishes the year averaging 23.9 points per game, ranking fifth in the nation.

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) injures her knee

Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

On Saturday, the Watkins-less Trojans were back in action, facing No. 5 seed Kansas State Wildcats in the Sweet 16. Despite missing its star, USC was still favored by 1.5 points (ESPN BET).

A few hours before tipoff, USC Women’s Basketball made a post on X, sharing the team’s outfit for the night. Every USC player and coach was notably donning a black Nike shirt that featured Watkins, showing their support for their injured teammate.

“Reppin’ 12 on the way to the arena,” USC Women’s Basketball wrote on X. “We love you, Ju.”

The winner of USC and Kansas State will advance to the Spokane Region 4 finals, where they will face Paige Bueckers and No. 2 seed UConn Huskies. Had Watkins not gotten hurt, fans could have been treated to a head-to-head battle between All-American guards.