JuJu Watkins has officially announced that she will miss the entire 2025-26 season to fully recover from her ACL tear.

According to CBS Sports, Watkins made the decision so she could "fully focus on continuing to recover." 

Taking to social media, Watkins gave an update of her recovery. 

“These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest, and reflection. Recovering from this injury hasn't been easy, and I want to say thank you -- your love, support, and kind words have truly lifted me up during one of the most challenging times in my life ,” Watkins’ post read. “Because you've been with me every step of the way, I wanted you to hear it from me directly that following the advice of my doctors and trainers I will sit out this season and fully focus on continuing to recover so I can come back to the game I love.”

"I'm incredibly thankful for my family, teammates, coaches, the USC training personnel, Jason, Shane, and everyone who's continued to support me every day through this journey,” she added. I'm excited to keep putting the work in to come back even stronger."

Earlier this month, BET.com reported that USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb told reporters during a media session that Watkins' recovery was "going great," but she did not disclose if she was returning to the court later this season.

"JuJu's health and well-being are our top priority, and we fully support her decision to focus on recovery this season," Gottlieb said in a press release. "While we will certainly miss her impact on the court, she continues to play a vital role in our program as a leader and teammate. The strength and maturity she has shown through this process is a reflection of who she is, and we know the Trojan Family will continue to rally behind her. We look forward to the day she returns to competition stronger than ever."

In her remarkable sophomore season, Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks. Garnering  numerous accolades for her play, she was named Naismith Player of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year and a unanimous spot on the AP All-American First Team.