Juju Watkins to Sit Out the 2025–26 Season: What It Means for USC and the Bigger Picture in Women’s Hoops

The news is now official: Juju Watkins will not play during the 2025–26 season. While many close to the program had already anticipated this, it’s still a major development with ripple effects for USC and beyond. Juju isn’t just another star player — she’s a franchise-level talent whose presence shifts game plans, media coverage, and recruiting priorities nationwide.

In today’s podcast, Matt and I unpack what this means on and off the court. From how USC adjusts without her, to what this signals about long-term health prioritization in college sports, to what fans can realistically expect from the Women of Troy this season — we cover it all.

We also talk about what this decision does not mean. This isn’t a redshirt move. It’s not a WNBA prep year — she won’t even be eligible until 2027. This is about wellness, recovery, and understanding the demands of carrying a program at the highest level.

🎧 Watch or listen below — and share your thoughts. What does JuJu’s decision say about the evolving balance between performance, health, and long-term vision in college basketball?