South Carolina Gamecocks ACL injury comeback 2026-27 season has taken an exciting turn, with Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins finally back on the basketball court after spending an entire season recovering from devastating knee injuries. For senior guard Tessa Johnson, their return has brought a mixture of excitement, relief, and an unexpected feeling as she prepares for her final season in Columbia.
Both Kitts and Watkins could potentially have been preparing for professional basketball by now had their injury recoveries followed a different path. Instead, the two South Carolina stars spent months away from competition, working through rehabilitation and patiently waiting for an opportunity to return.
Now, that moment has finally arrived.
The Gamecocks welcomed both players back during Friday night’s exhibition against Benedict, securing a commanding 113-34 victory. While the result highlighted South Carolina’s strength ahead of the new campaign, the biggest storyline was undoubtedly the return of two players whose presence could prove crucial throughout the season.
For Johnson, however, seeing her teammates back in action was an experience she had not necessarily expected to have during her senior year.
Tessa Johnson Admits Her Teammates’ Return Feels Strange
Johnson has spent considerable time building chemistry with the South Carolina roster, but the possibility of playing alongside Kitts and Watkins during her final collegiate campaign once seemed unlikely.
The injuries had disrupted their plans, leaving questions about when either player would return to competitive basketball. Their successful rehabilitation has now given the Gamecocks another reason to feel optimistic heading into the 2026-27 season.
Speaking after Friday’s exhibition victory, Johnson described the unusual feeling of sharing the court with Kitts again.
“Chloe and I were in warmups and we were talking, (saying) ‘Wow this is a little weird,’” Johnson said during her postgame comments. Watch Johnson discuss the reunion.
“I mean they weren’t supposed to be here for my last year, but they are here and I know they’re ready and we’re excited.”
Her comments captured the significance of the moment. What once appeared to be a season without two important teammates has turned into an opportunity for South Carolina to welcome them back into the rotation.
For Johnson, their return could make her final college basketball season even more memorable.
Ashlyn Watkins Makes an Encouraging Return After ACL Surgery
Watkins’ journey back to the court began after a frightening moment during South Carolina’s game against Mississippi State on January 5, 2025.
The forward injured her left knee during the first half after colliding with a defender early in the second quarter. She immediately went down in pain, prompting training staff to assist her off the court.
The diagnosis was a torn anterior cruciate ligament, commonly known as an ACL injury, which required an extensive rehabilitation process.
Although Watkins initially faced the possibility of returning during the following season, she eventually announced in July 2025 that she would sit out the entire 2025-26 academic and athletic year.
That decision gave her additional time to focus on her recovery and personal development while prioritizing her faith, family, and community.
Her return against Benedict provided the first meaningful glimpse of what she could contribute to South Carolina again.
Watkins played 16 minutes and finished with nine points and 10 rebounds. Perhaps just as encouraging was the fact that she played without a knee brace during the exhibition.
Her performance suggested that she could still make an impact around the basket, particularly through rebounding and physical play.
However, one exhibition game cannot fully establish how quickly a player will regain her previous form. Watkins will need time to rebuild her conditioning, rediscover her timing, and adjust to the demands of competitive basketball.
Nevertheless, her first appearance was a welcome development for a South Carolina team looking to make another deep postseason run.
Chloe Kitts Returns After a Difficult Rehabilitation Journey
Kitts faced a similarly challenging road back to basketball.
The forward suffered a complete ACL tear in her right knee during a South Carolina preseason practice in October 2025. The injury occurred when she landed awkwardly after jumping for a rebound.
Initially, Kitts believed she had merely hyperextended her knee. Further medical examination, however, confirmed the more serious diagnosis.
She underwent surgery later that month, bringing her season to an abrupt end before she could fully establish herself during what had been expected to be her senior campaign.
The injury also delayed her anticipated transition to the Women’s National Basketball Association.
Rather than rushing her return, Kitts used a medical redshirt to preserve her final year of college eligibility. That decision gave her another opportunity to compete for South Carolina before pursuing her professional ambitions.
Her appearance against Benedict marked an important milestone.
Kitts played 12 minutes while wearing a knee brace, recording eight points and seven rebounds. Although her playing time was limited, the performance offered an encouraging indication of her progress.
The numbers were particularly noteworthy given the amount of time she had spent away from competition.
Still, Kitts will need to regain her rhythm gradually. Reading defensive movements, reacting to rebounds, and finding the right timing in offensive sets can take time after a lengthy absence.
South Carolina will likely benefit most if she can rebuild those skills without unnecessary pressure.
Dawn Staley Offers an Honest Assessment of Their Performances
Head coach Dawn Staley welcomed the returning players but acknowledged that their performances reflected the challenges of spending an entire season away from the game.
“They haven’t really played in a long time and they looked a little rusty,” Staley said after the exhibition.
“But the more and more rust that they knock off, the better they’re going to be. So it was good to have them to put in the game.”
The assessment was straightforward. Neither player should be expected to immediately perform at the level they reached before their injuries.
Basketball rehabilitation involves more than restoring strength and mobility. Players must also rebuild confidence in their movements, respond to the speed of live competition, and become comfortable making decisions under pressure.
Staley’s comments suggest that South Carolina understands the importance of allowing both athletes to develop at an appropriate pace.
With the regular season approaching, managing their workloads could be just as important as maximizing their immediate contributions.
Kitts Says Her Injury Changed Her Perspective
Beyond the physical challenges, Kitts has also spoken about the personal lessons she learned during rehabilitation.
In an earlier interview with SEC Network, she explained how the experience encouraged her to slow down and appreciate the people supporting her recovery.
“I just had to learn to slow down. I feel like this injury happened for a reason,” Kitts said.
“Everything happens for a reason. It’s part of God’s plan for me.”
She also expressed gratitude for the teammates and coaches who helped her navigate the difficult period.
Kitts acknowledged that there were moments when she felt discouraged, but the support around her helped her maintain perspective.
Her experience reflects a reality many injured athletes face: recovery requires patience, emotional resilience, and the willingness to accept that progress does not always happen as quickly as expected.
Now, she has another opportunity to compete in a South Carolina uniform.
South Carolina Looks Ahead to Its Season Opener
The Gamecocks are preparing for the start of the 2026-27 regular season on Monday, November 2, when they are scheduled to face the Maryland Terrapins at Adidas Arena in Paris, France.
The international matchup will provide another opportunity for Kitts and Watkins to continue rebuilding their game, although their playing time will depend on their readiness and the coaching staff’s assessment.
South Carolina will also need to integrate both players into a team that has continued developing during their absence.
For Johnson, their unexpected return changes the outlook for her final collegiate season. Instead of saying goodbye to two teammates whose injuries kept them away, she gets another chance to share the court with them.
For Kitts and Watkins, the challenge is different. Their immediate goal is to build consistency, regain confidence, and demonstrate that they can contribute without compromising their recovery.
Their performances against Benedict offered an encouraging beginning, but the real test will come as the competition intensifies.
The South Carolina Gamecocks ACL injury comeback 2026-27 season story is only beginning, and with Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins back alongside Tessa Johnson, South Carolina has fresh reasons to believe the months of rehabilitation could lead to a rewarding season.
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