What Will USC’s Season Look Like Without Its Superstar?

The college basketball world was shaken when USC announced that JuJu Watkins, the reigning consensus Player of the Year, would miss the entire 2025-26 season. Watkins, who tore her ACL during the Trojans’ Sweet 16 run in March, will spend the year focused on her recovery. For a program that relied heavily on her dynamic scoring and playmaking, the loss leaves a massive hole in both production and leadership. Now, head coach Lindsay Gottlieb faces the challenge of reinventing USC’s offense, leaning on rising sophomore guards and veteran post play to stabilize the Trojans’ attack. Replacing nearly 27 points per game is a steep task, making USC’s depth and adaptability crucial for remaining in the national conversation. 

WNBA Dreams on Pause, but Not Forgotten

Watkins’ injury also raises questions about her long-anticipated WNBA future. Previously projected as a lock for the number one overall pick in the 2027 draft, she now faces uncertainty about how pro scouts will assess her readiness. However, history shows that elite guards returning from ACL tears, such as Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum, have regained form and proved that injuries don’t erase star potential. Watkins’ decision to prioritize recovery further demonstrates maturity and foresight, qualities as valuable as talent to front offices. While her WNBA draft stock may dip in the short term, her generational skillset ensures she will remain a top prospect when she returns.

Big Ten Landscape Shifts without Watkins

For the Big Ten and the national title race, Watkins’ absence is seismic. USC entered the league this year as a contender to disrupt the conference hierarchy, but without their centerpiece, teams like Iowa, Ohio State, and Indiana suddenly see a clearer path to March dominance. In turn, nationally, the Trojans move from a dark-horse Final Four pick to a team fighting to remain ranked, forcing analysts to reshuffle preseason projections. Still, adversity often breeds unexpected stars, and how USC responds could set the program’s tone for its long-term future in its new conference. Nat’s Take: JuJu’s absence changes everything, from the Big Ten balance of power to the WNBA draft board. If her past is any indication, she’ll come back stronger, making her story one of resilience as much as dominance.