The Big 12 is always a grind, but this season, Texas Tech is turning heads in a way no one expected. The Red Raiders, flying under the radar, just delivered a jaw-dropping performance—double-overtime drama and a star player putting up numbers that feel unreal. The buzz is building, and it’s not just fans taking notice. This isn’t just another underdog story. Something bigger is brewing, and it’s about to shake up the conference in a major way.

Texas Tech’s J.T. Toppin was the man of the hour, dropping 41 points and 15 rebounds in their double-overtime win against Arizona State. His stat line wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. Shooting 17-of-22 from the field and getting to the free-throw line 11 times, he dominated in a way that had Terrence Oglesby comparing him to NBA throwbacks like Gerald Wallace. “J.T. Toppin’s a bad man,” said John Martin. “He’s so good. Long, athletic, boards—he’s a dog.”

The Red Raiders’ rise isn’t just about one player, though. Head coach Grant McCasland has been quietly building something special in Lubbock. Despite Arizona State’s struggles, the Sun Devils threw everything they had at Texas Tech, playing only seven guys in a grueling double-OT game. “You know how it is in conference play,” Oglesby mentioned. “These teams get up for games against ranked opponents.” But Texas Tech held their ground, proving they’re more than just a flash in the pan.

With Kansas and Bill Self looming large in the Big 12, Texas Tech’s surge adds a new layer of intrigue to the conference race. “The Big 12 is a beast, man,” Oglesby added, highlighting the league’s toughness. If Toppin keeps playing at this level and McCasland’s squad continues to gel, the Red Raiders might just be the team to watch as the season heats up. Lubbock is no longer flying under the radar.

However, not everyone’s sold on Texas Tech dethroning Kansas. The Jayhawks have been the Big 12’s gold standard for years, and Bill Self’s squad thrives under pressure. But with the Red Raiders gaining steam and J.T. Toppin playing at an elite level, Kansas can’t afford to overlook them. The question isn’t just if Texas Tech is for real—it’s how Kansas plans to handle this new threat in their backyard.

Why Kansas and Bill Self Can’t afford to ignore Texas Tech’s surge

Texas Tech’s rise isn’t just about Toppin’s monster performances—it’s about a team buying into McCasland’s vision. The Red Raiders are winning with a blue-collar approach, leaning on defense, rebounding, and physicality. “They play hard every time I watch them,” Oglesby noted. This isn’t a squad relying on flashy plays; they’re grinding out wins, and that’s what makes them dangerous.

What’s more concerning for Kansas is Texas Tech’s ability to thrive under pressure. In their double-overtime win, the Red Raiders showed they can handle adversity and still come out on top. “They’re thin, but they’re tough,” Oglesby added. For Bill Self, that’s a warning sign. The Big 12 is already a gauntlet, and Texas Tech’s emergence adds another layer of complexity. If Kansas isn’t careful, the Red Raiders could disrupt their reign.

Texas Tech’s rise is no longer just a feel-good story—it’s a legitimate threat to the Big 12 hierarchy. With Toppin playing like a star and McCasland’s system clicking, the Red Raiders are proving they belong with the conference’s elite. Kansas and Bill Self have dominated for years, but this season feels different. Texas Tech isn’t just knocking on the door; they’re ready to kick it down.

So, what’s next? Can Kansas hold off the Red Raiders, or is this the year the Big 12 sees a new contender rise to the top? One thing’s for sure: Texas Tech isn’t going anywhere, and the rest of the league—especially Kansas—better be ready. Keep an eye on Lubbock, because this story is just getting started.