'JT Toppin rejects draft, declares comeback to Texas Tech'

Junior season return for Texas Tech announced by JT Toppin, the Big 12 Player of the Year.

On Instagram, he simply wrote "I'm Back."

Toppin, who transferred from New Mexico to Lubbock, Texas, after the 2023-24 season, was a consensus All-American. He averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds in 33 starts for the Red Raiders, helping them reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.

For the 2025-26 season, Toppin is expected to be a preseason All-American and a contender for national player of the year.

According to CBS Sports, Toppin is projected to earn approximately $4 million in NIL money next season.

At ESPN, Toppin had a draft ranking of No. 45, but he has since risen to No. 15 in CBS Sports' rankings.

In 69 career games (68 starts) for the Lobos and Red Raiders, Toppin has averaged 15.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks.