JuJu Watkins Torn ACL: How Long Will She Be Out? Which WNBA Players Have Recovered From An ACL Tear?

The women’s college basketball world lost one of its biggest stars on Monday night as USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins suffered a gruesome season-ending injury in the second round of the NCAA Tournament versus Mississippi State. Just minutes into the game, Watkins’ knee buckled on a drive to the hoop and she was in noticeable pain almost immediately before being carried off of the court. After the game, USC confirmed fans’ worst nightmares by announcing that Watkins had suffered a torn ACL and would undergo surgery. The injury puts a major dent into USC’s hopes of winning its first national title since 1984. 

Let’s break down the recovery time for Watkins’ injury, what it means for her WNBA Draft status, and which women’s basketball players have recovered from torn ACLs in the past.

How Long Will Watkins Need To Recover From A Torn ACL?

Suffering a significant injury at this stage in the season is a major blow for Watkins, who could miss all of next year while she rehabilitates her knee. 

Recovery for torn ACLs typically takes between 9-12 months, depending on if there is any other damage. 

That would put Watkins’ recovery time between January and March 2026, making it a real possibility that she misses the entire 2026 season.

When Is JuJu Watkins Eligible To Enter The WNBA Draft?

Despite being the top player in the nation, Watkins was not eligible to enter the 2025 WNBA Draft. She finished the season with 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.3 steals along with 1.8 blocks per game while becoming the first USC player to be crowned conference player of the year in nearly 40 years.

WNBA rules prohibit players from entering the draft early. Players must be turning 22 years old in the year that they are drafted. This means that their original draft class must be graduating within three months of the WNBA Draft.

Unless the rules are changed in the upcoming collective bargaining agreement, Watkins will not be eligible for the league until the 2027 WNBA Draft, following her senior season at USC.

Which WNBA Players Have Recovered From A Torn ACL?

Even though Watkins suffered an unfortunate injury, she should still remain on the same career arc as one of the future stars in women’s basketball. Many studies have shown encouraging results for women’s basketball players who have torn their ACL with a high return to play rate and minimal long-term impact on overall performance.

Tough news for JuJu Watkins. RTP after ACL reconstruction typically lands between 9 – 12 months after surgery. Good news is that there are multiple studies in women’s b-ball players that show a high return to play rate with minimal long-term impact on performance upon return. https://t.co/xRzL3OG3Lk

— Dr. Nirav Pandya, M.D. (@DrNiravPandya) March 25, 2025

Several WNBA players have suffered a torn ACL and returned to form in the following seasons, including some of the biggest stars in the women’s game. Candace Parker, Skylar Diggins, and Sue Bird.

Like Watkins, both Parker and Bird suffered their injuries early in their respective careers. Parker suffered a torn ACL in her senior season in high school while Bird’s injury occurred during her freshman season at UConn. Of course, both players returned to glory by becoming two of the greatest women’s basketball players of all-time.

Recently, rookie Cameron Brink suffered a torn ACL that cut her rookie season short with the Los Angeles Sparks. Brink’s goal is to be back in time for the start of the 2025 WNBA season.