The No. 3 University of Southern California women’s basketball team will host Utah State in their home opener on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Senior guard JuJu Watkins returns to action after missing the 2025-26 season due to injury, bringing a strong presence to the Trojans’ lineup as they open their Big Ten campaign on home court.
Watkins, a two-time AP Preseason All-American and noted for her scoring prowess with 1,709 career points in 67 games, scored 21 points in 21 minutes during USC’s 100-68 season-opening victory over UNLV on November 2, 2026. The Trojans carry the tallest roster in program and conference history this season, averaging 6-foot-1, with significant contributions from sophomore guard Jazzy Davidson, junior guard Kennedy Smith, and freshmen Saniyah Hall and Sitaya Fagan.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb leads USC’s nationally top-ranked recruiting class amid the program’s 50th anniversary season, which honors a rich heritage of NCAA championships and All-American excellence. The home opener will feature SLAM Night festivities celebrating cover athletes Watkins, Davidson and Hall, with giveaways for the first 1,000 fans. Coverage will be broadcast live on Big Ten Network.
CSB Take
JuJu Watkins’ return from injury significantly strengthens University of Southern California women’s basketball as it embarks on a promising 2026-27 season. With an unparalleled combination of size, skill, and top-tier recruiting, USC remains a formidable contender in the Big Ten. The program’s milestone 50-year anniversary adds historical weight to the season, and the team’s early success highlights their continued pursuit of championship aspirations.
Source: Original report
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