JuJu Watkins Faces Injury in Season Two of ‘On The Rise’

Los Angeles, CA — The second season of “On The Rise: JuJu Watkins” premiered with a heavy heart on November 15, 2025. The documentary highlights the poignant moment when sophomore star JuJu Watkins suffered a serious injury during the NCAA Tournament, abruptly ending her season.

During a crucial game against Mississippi State, Watkins, a standout for the University of Southern California, collapsed on the court with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The Trojans, ranked No. 1 nationally, eventually secured a victory at Galen Center with a score of 96-59, but the win was overshadowed by Watkins’ distress.

Watkins later underwent an MRI, receiving the difficult diagnosis that she would sit out the entire season. “I think it was definitely like denial,” she shared in the documentary. “There’s absolutely no way this is happening to me right now.”

The series captures her journey through rehabilitation, with Watkins stating, “It’s not really moving fast in my opinion. This is Week 3. I’m just trying to get back to my old self at this point.” Despite the setback, she anticipates being ready for the 2026-27 season and the WNBA Draft.

Meanwhile, the sixth-ranked Trojans are set to host the undefeated UCLA Bruins on Thursday night. The documentary also highlights how Watkins has flourished off the court as a role model and spokesperson. She appears in multiple endorsements, including a high-profile Super Bowl commercial.

Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green praised Watkins, saying she represents a rare talent in sports: “Every 20-25 years, you come across an athlete that’s just different from everyone. JuJu is that athlete.”

The first episode of the new season also features games from the 2024-25 season, including a win over Mississippi in France, showcasing Watkins’ French-speaking skills while engaging with young fans. “Women’s basketball is becoming more of a global thing,” she said, reflecting on her growing international influence.

The series underlines Watkins’ impact on aspiring athletes, as many young girls now sport her iconic “JuJu Bun” hairstyle. “Little girls want to wear the bun,” Green noted. “She’s having that type of effect on the game.”

The initial episodes of “On The Rise” aired on NBC at 3 p.m. ET on November 15, with future episodes available for streaming.