Watkins Returns, USC Eyes First Title Since 1984

JuJu Watkins is returning to the court for USC after missing last season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The star guard, who averaged 25.6 points in her first two seasons, scored 18 points in 22 minutes in an exhibition against California and says she is eager to enjoy her return. She will join Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson, who led USC in five statistical categories last season, alongside a deep roster that includes guard Saniyah Hall and five-star recruit Sara Okeke. The No. 3 Trojans, who went 18-14 last season, hope Watkins’ return and their supporting talent can help end the program’s national-title drought, which dates to 1984.