ESW Fan Verdict: Fans Believe JuJu Watkins’ Return From Injury Can Lead USC to a Championship

588 days since tearing her ACL at the 2025 NCAA tournament, JuJu Watkins is back. Watkins started the game and eased into it, playing 25 minutes and helping the Trojans win their season opener against the UNLV Lady Rebels 100-68 on Monday. However, with her much-anticipated return comes the championship expectations for a team that’s waited for one since 1984. So just ahead of the 2026-27 NCAAW season kickoff, we asked our Essentially W readers whether USC Junior’s return will make the difference this season. 97 out of 152 (64%) of you chose to vote, ‘Yes.