BREAKING NEWS: The USC Trojans basketball team faces an unexpected setback, leaving fans worried as Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb announces a serious issue during practice just ahead of their upcoming game
LOS ANGELES – Just weeks before tipping off the highly anticipated 2025–26 NCAA women’s basketball season, USC Trojans Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb has announced a serious and unexpected setback that has fans and analysts concerned about the team’s outlook
. The news broke following a closed-door practice session earlier this week at the Galen Center, where Gottlieb addressed reporters with a somber tone, confirming that a “significant issue” had emerged within the team.
While details remain limited, Gottlieb did confirm that the issue could impact the team’s readiness ahead of their season opener against in-state rival Fresno State. Scheduled for early November, the game was expected to set the tone for what many hoped would be a championship-caliber season for the Trojans. With USC’s recent resurgence under Gottlieb — including last season’s impressive run to the Elite Eight — expectations were sky-high.
“This is not the kind of announcement any coach wants to make, especially on the heels of such a strong preseason,” Gottlieb said during the impromptu press briefing. “We are dealing with a very serious matter that affects both our preparation and team morale. At this time, our priority is the well-being of our players and staff.”
Sources close to the program have hinted at a major injury during practice, possibly to a key starter. Although no names have been officially confirmed, speculation has already begun to swirl around junior forward Rayah Marshall, who reportedly left practice early earlier this week and was seen with ice packs on her knee. Others believe the issue could be off-court related — such as disciplinary action or an academic eligibility issue — that could lead to player suspensions.
For a team that has built its recent success around depth, chemistry, and the star power of rising talents like JuJu Watkins — who missed the 2025 NCAA Tournament due to an ACL injury — any disruption could be critical. Watkins was expected to make her return early this season, and fans were eagerly awaiting her comeback. Should the current issue involve her or another primary contributor, it would undoubtedly reshape the team’s prospects in both conference and national play.
Gottlieb, who recently signed an extension through the 2029–30 season, has been praised for turning around the program and positioning USC as a force in women’s college basketball. Her ability to recruit top-tier talent and foster a professional-level environment has restored the Trojans’ reputation. However, she now faces one of her most difficult coaching tests — steering her team through uncertainty right as the season begins.
Social media was immediately abuzz following the news, with fans expressing a mix of concern, frustration, and support. “We’ve come too far to let one setback derail everything,” tweeted one fan. “Trust Coach G. She’s got this.” Another user wrote, “Praying for whoever’s affected. The season hasn’t even started yet, and we’re already holding our breath.”
The USC Athletic Department issued a brief statement acknowledging the situation and asking for privacy and patience as the team evaluates the next steps. “We are working closely with Coach Gottlieb and her staff to support our student-athletes during this time,” the statement read.
The Trojans are entering their second season in the Big Ten Conference, having made an immediate impact by capturing the regular-season title last year. With powerhouse programs like Iowa, Ohio State, and Indiana looming in the competitive landscape, a slow or shaky start to the 2025–26 campaign could have lasting implications on tournament seeding and momentum.
Despite the uncertainty, Gottlieb remained cautiously optimistic. “We’ve faced adversity before, and this team has always responded with resilience and heart,” she said. “We’ll adjust, we’ll regroup, and we’ll compete. That’s who we are.”
More information is expected to emerge in the coming days, as the coaching staff evaluates the situation and potential adjustments to the roster and rotation. For now, the Trojans and their fans are left with more questions than answers — but also with the hope that this early challenge can be a rallying point for a team that has already proven it can rise above expectations.
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