JuJu Watkins walked onto the ESPYs stage Wednesday night knowing she’d already made history. The USC superstar was about to claim her second ESPY in two years, but this time it felt different. This wasn’t just about breaking through anymore. This was about proving she belonged among college basketball’s elite, even with her 2024-25 season ending in heartbreak.
What Does This ESPY Win Mean for JuJu Watkins’ Legacy?
Watkins claimed the Best Female College Athlete award of 2025 at Wednesday night’s ESPYs, adding another honor to her growing collection. The recognition caps off a remarkable two-year run that began with her Breakthrough Athlete ESPY in 2024 following her freshman campaign.
Following the ceremony, Watkins shared her emotions on her Instagram story with a simple but heartfelt message:
“So so grateful,” the USC standout wrote.
The award put Watkins ahead of an elite group of nominees, including Virginia swimmer Gretchen Walsh, North Carolina soccer star Kate Faasse, and Pittsburgh volleyball standout Olivia Babcock. Despite her 2024-25 season ending early due to an ACL injury in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Before the injury struck, Watkins had led USC to a dominant 31-4 overall record. The Trojans posted a 17-1 run in conference play, securing the top spot in the Big Ten standings. However, their championship dreams ended in the Elite Eight with a 78-64 loss to eventual national champion UConn.
How Will Watkins’ Injury Impact USC’s Future?
The numbers tell the story of what USC lost when Watkins went down. As a sophomore, she averaged 23.9 points per game on 42.6% shooting, including 35.4% from the 3-point line. She filled the stat sheet nightly, adding 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks in 33 games.
Now, USC faces uncertainty heading into the 2025-26 season. Watkins underwent surgery in March to repair the torn ACL and has focused on rehab ever since. While optimism exists within the program, ACL recoveries typically require a year or more, making her availability for the upcoming season uncertain.
Despite the injury, Watkins remains connected to the team. She’s been working alongside her coaches and teammates during the offseason as she works her way back to form.
The silver lining for USC comes in the form of potential reinforcements. If Watkins can return, she could join forces with ESPN’s No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2025, Jasmine “Jazzy” Davidson. That pairing could transform USC into a national title contender once again.
Can Jazzy Davidson come in and make an immediate impact for USC Women’s Basketball this upcoming season?
With the recent injury of Juju Watkins, the pressure is going to be on the team to find more scoring! Jazzy could be that missing piece alongside of UCLA transfer Londynn… pic.twitter.com/Jrd9MW7lUv
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 26, 2025
Until then, head coach Lindsay Gottlieb and the Trojans will prepare for the possibility of a season without their star player.