Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin. Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Texas Tech gets massive NBA Draft update from JT Toppin

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 10:28 PM ET

JT Toppin was one heck of a player for the Texas Tech Red Raiders last season.

They made a run to the Elite Eight, where they lost to the eventual national champion, Florida, and Toppin was a big part of that.

A sophomore from Dallas, Texas, Toppin could have entered his name into consideration for the 2025 NBA Draft and been a very intriguing draft prospect, but he's decided not to do that.

He's also decided to stay out of the transfer portal, where he would have been the top target for every big-time college basketball program. However, by staying at Texas Tech, he has earned himself a massive NIL payday.

JT Toppin is expected to be paid ~$4 million in NIL earnings at Texas Tech next season, a source tells CBS Sports. The latest/biggest piece of evidence that reflects how invested TTU is in basketball—and a positive development for the sport to retain a player as great as Toppin.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 9, 2025

Toppin announced on Instagram that he'll be coming back to Texas Tech next season. It was a simple announcement, but it made its point.

"I'm back," the post read.

Oh BOY. JT Toppin back at Texas Tech‼️

Should be one of the contenders for NPOY next season. TT bringing him + Christian Anderson back is massive - D5 in the portal/draft right now but we'll see. Love this pic.twitter.com/p7mv1Qhl1j
— Ryan Hammer (@ryanhammer09) April 9, 2025

Toppin was at New Mexico in 2023-24 and was the Mountain West Freshman of the Year after averaging 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

He tested the NBA Draft waters then but ultimately hit the transfer portal and ended up with the Red Raiders.

At Texas Tech, he became the Big 12 Player of the Year after averaging 18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. In the NCAA Tournament, Toppin averaged 19.3 points and 11 rebounds per game. In the Red Raiders' loss to Florida, he put up 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Toppin would have absolutely been a big name in the 2025 NBA Draft but he's now going to be an even bigger name on the college basketball stage next season.

Look for him to spearhead the Red Raiders in 2025-26, and he very well could end up being one of the best players in the nation and a lottery pick for the NBA in 2026.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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