Lubbock, TX – Cheers echoed throughout the United Supermarkets Arena as Texas Tech standout JT Toppin electrified fans with five words that could define the Red Raiders’ future: “I’m not going anywhere.” The announcement, made during a highly anticipated team event Saturday afternoon, instantly sent waves of excitement through the Red Raider faithful and confirmed that Toppin will be returning for the 2025-26 college basketball season.
The sophomore forward’s declaration silenced months of speculation surrounding his future. After a stellar 2024-25 campaign in which he averaged 17.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, many believed Toppin was headed for the NBA. Scouts had him projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick, and the buzz around his athleticism, defensive versatility, and growing offensive game only increased as the season progressed. Still, the Albuquerque native made a bold and surprising decision to stay in Lubbock for at least one more year.
“I prayed on it, I talked to my family, and I talked to Coach McCasland,” Toppin told the roaring crowd. “This place is special. I’m here to finish what we started.”
Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland, standing nearby with a proud grin, stepped forward after the announcement to speak on what Toppin’s return means for the program.
“This is more than just a player coming back,” McCasland said. “It’s a leader committing to his team, to this university, and to our vision. JT believes in what we’re building, and we believe in him.”
Sources close to the program reveal that McCasland and his staff laid out a compelling plan to maximize Toppin’s development both on and off the court. From adding key pieces in the transfer portal to redesigning offensive sets tailored around Toppin’s skillset, the message from the coaching staff was clear: the 2025-26 Red Raiders will be built to contend—and Toppin will be the cornerstone.
“Coach McCasland told me straight up: ‘We’re going to win. And we’re going to do it with you leading the way,’” Toppin shared. “That’s all I needed to hear.”
Toppin’s return also sends a strong message to the rest of the Big 12—and to college basketball at large—that Texas Tech is not just reloading, but reestablishing itself as a powerhouse. After a Sweet 16 finish this past season, the Red Raiders are now considered early favorites to make a Final Four run in 2026.
Former teammates and Red Raider legends quickly took to social media to celebrate the news. “Let’s gooo JT!!! TTU fans, y’all better show up and show out next season,” tweeted former Tech guard Jarrett Culver. National analysts also weighed in, with ESPN’s Jon Rothstein calling Toppin’s return “one of the biggest offseason wins in college basketball.”
With Toppin back in the fold, Texas Tech is expected to return three starters and add a top-25 recruiting class. McCasland hinted that more transfer news could be on the way in the coming weeks, possibly including a veteran point guard to complement Toppin in the pick-and-roll.
Beyond the stats and rankings, however, Toppin’s decision reflects a loyalty and competitive spirit that fans deeply admire.
“I came here because I believed in this place,” Toppin said. “I stayed because I still do.”
As the final words left his mouth, the arena once again erupted. Red and black confetti fell from above, and fans chanted “One more year!” while Toppin embraced his teammates at midcourt.
With momentum building and expectations soaring, one thing is now clear in Lubbock: the Red Raiders are ready to ride with JT Toppin—and
they’re not looking back.
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