​Texas Tech star JT Toppin has decided to return for the 2026-27 season after his ACL injury, a decision that represents a major piece of offseason news for the Red Raiders. The announcement is especially welcome for a program that saw its national title hopes take a hit when the All-American forward suffered a season-ending injury during a February defeat to Arizona State. Before his injury, the junior had established himself as one of the nation’s most dominant frontcourt players and was widely projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Rather than pursuing professional opportunities, Toppin will resume his career in Lubbock with aspirations of leading Texas Tech back into national title contention.
Prior to his injury, Toppin was enjoying the best season of his college career. Standing 6-foot-9, the forward averaged 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.4 steals while shooting 54.8 percent from the field over 25 games. His production earned him First-Team AP All-America honors for the second consecutive season, cementing his status as one of college basketball’s premier players. Toppin also delivered six 30-point double-doubles during the season, dominating opponents such as Arkansas, Illinois, Houston and Arizona. The former New Mexico standout has improved each year of his collegiate career, increasing his scoring and rebounding totals from 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds as a freshman with the Lobos to 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds in his first season at Texas Tech, before reaching another level in 2025-26. His return instantly gives the Red Raiders one of the country’s most accomplished players entering next season.
One factor that aided Toppin’s decision was the NCAA’s recently adopted five-to-play-five eligibility model. The new rule allows eligible student-athletes five academic years to compete in five seasons, reducing much of the pressure surrounding traditional redshirt decisions. Under the old system, many expected Toppin to sit out next season after such a significant February injury. Instead, he can return whenever he’s medically cleared without worrying about sacrificing a season of eligibility. This flexibility enables both Toppin and Texas Tech to prioritize his long-term health while still giving the Red Raiders a chance to feature their biggest star on the court for the 2026-27 campaign.
If Toppin returns to near the level he displayed before the injury, Texas Tech could again find itself among the nation’s elite programs competing for deep postseason runs. His presence provides the Red Raiders with a proven, high-impact scorer and rebounder who can anchor the frontcourt and stretch defenses with his shooting and length. While the college basketball landscape remains unpredictable, Texas Tech fans can reasonably expect a stronger and more dynamic rotation with Toppin back in the lineup, helping the program maintain competitiveness at the highest level.
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