How Does JuJu Watkins’ ACL Injury Shake Up Women’s March Madness Odds?
March Madness took a challenging turn in the women’s tournament: In a moment that shook the entire basketball world, USC star JuJu Watkins went down with a torn ACL during the Trojans’ dominant second-round win over Mississippi State.
It was hard to watch — one of the game’s brightest stars, in obvious pain, on what should’ve been a celebratory night for USC. What was shaping up to be a historic run for the Trojans has now become one of the most unpredictable and wide-open tournaments in recent memory.
Watkins, a National Player of the Year frontrunner, was the engine of USC’s offense and the emotional and defensive anchor of a team that entered March Madness as a No. 1 seed. Her season-ending injury doesn’t just affect the Trojans — it alters the entire trajectory of March Madness and has shifted the odds board in a big way.
Contents
USC’s Title Hopes Take Major Hit
Before Watkins’s injury, USC was widely viewed as one of the top contenders for cutting down the nets in San Antonio. The Trojans had already taken down No. 1 overall seed UCLA twice in the regular season and looked poised for a Final Four push. However, sportsbooks moved swiftly to adjust.
UConn Now The Team To Beat In Spokane
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of Watkins’ absence is UConn. The Huskies, the No. 2 seed in USC’s region, are now favored to come out of Spokane and reach the Final Four. Their odds to win the national title improved to +160 — best among all teams in the tournament.
UConn and USC were expected to clash in a blockbuster Elite Eight matchup, a rematch of their thrilling regular-season game where USC edged the Huskies 72-70 behind Watkins’ 25-point performance. Without her, the path to the Final Four gets significantly easier for Geno Auriemma’s squad, though it’ll still need to get past No. 3 Oklahoma first.
Title Odds Movement After JuJu Watkins Injury
The updated Women’s NCAA Tournament odds (DraftKings) reflect the ripple effect of the injury:
- UConn: +160
- South Carolina: +180
- UCLA: +700
- Texas: +800
- Notre Dame: +1100
- USC: +2200
- Duke: +2500
- LSU: +3000
Can USC Still Make A Run?
Make no mistake — USC is not done. The Trojans still have the depth, talent, and coaching to win another game or two. Iriafen’s leadership, plus solid contributions from veterans like Rayah Marshall and under-the-radar defenders like Malia Samuels, give them a fighting chance.
Still, though, USC was built around Watkins. She was the team’s heartbeat, and her absence will be felt on both ends of the floor. Opponents now have a clearer roadmap for attacking the Trojans, and USC will need to redefine its identity if it hopes to keep advancing.
New Title Race Landscape
With USC’s status as a title contender in question, the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament is more wide open than in years. South Carolina, Texas, and Notre Dame become more intriguing bets, while UConn’s odds shorten thanks to a clearer path through the West.
Watkins’ injury is a devastating blow to the sport, but the Trojans’ response against Mississippi State shows their resolve. As USC continues its run, the women’s tournament pivots into a new chapter — one without its brightest star but full of new contenders ready to seize the spotlight.
