Who Is JT Toppin? Stats, NIL, and Everything You Need to Know About Texas Tech’s 6′ 9″ Forward

From dominating high school courts to making waves in college basketball, Jayden Toppin, the shining sophomore forward for Texas Tech, has a journey that is nothing short of impressive. The former Mountain West Freshman of the Year, who played for New Mexico, joined Texas Tech this season after pulling out of the NBA draft and already swept the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week back in November.

In the first seven games of the season with Texas, Toppin has been a force on the court, averaging 18.6 points and grabbing an impressive 11 rebounds per game. His standout performance has earned him a spot as one of the top rebounders in the nation, currently ranking 6th overall. With so much potential brimming for him, here’s everything you need to know about this 19-year-old.

From high school champion to college prospect

Toppin grew up in Dallas, Texas, with his mother Naomi and three siblings, where he attended Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff, known for its competitive basketball program. The forward thrived in that environment, showcasing his immense talent and laying the foundation for his future under coach Brandon Thomas. The four-star recruit led the Eagles to consecutive state titles in 2022 and 2023.

Throughout his time at the academy, he showcased his ability scoring 20 points on average, alongside 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He led his team to the 4A State Championship, earning Class 4A All-State honors, and claiming the title of Class 4A Player of the Year, while also receiving high ratings from both ESPN and 24x7Sports.

While many schools showed interest in signing JT, one of them being Toledo, he ultimately decided to join the Mountain West’s New Mexico Lobos. In his Freshman year with the Lobos, he played a total of 36 games, dropping one of his standout performances where he scored 27 points against Toledo– a school that was once in pursuit of signing him. Throughout the season, he racked up 445 points with a total of 326 rebounds.

Toppin entitled himself to the Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors in the 2023-24 season, securing an All-Mountain West Second Team spot as well. Next, he officially signed with Texas Tech on May 28, 2024, when head coach Grant McCasland made it public. As his college career gained momentum, Toppin’s NIL value skyrocketed, reflecting his growing influence on and off the court.

The Red Raider’s NIL value is ranked 8th in college basketball and 33rd overall, with an estimated worth of $1.5 million. He has 8k followers combined on Instagram and X. With his recent transfer to Texas Tech, his earnings could rise as he takes the spotlight in Lubbock.

“I can’t wait to show Red Raider Nation the energy and hard work I bring to every game, I look forward to getting to Lubbock and helping the team win,” Toppin once stated after announcing his decision.

As his college basketball journey continues in the Big 12, Toppin has become even more resilient. However, this path wasn’t what he initially planned. He had originally planned to attend the NBA Combine in Chicago earlier this year, but things didn’t go as expected.

Toppin’s shift: From NBA Combine to college career

JT Toppin decided to pull his name from the 2024 NBA Draft and returned to college, ultimately committing to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. While some UNM Lobo fans were hoping he’d come back to New Mexico, the forward chose a different path. He had a standout performance at the NBA Combine in Chicago earlier. Some analysts even predicted him to be a potential second-round pick.

Toppin’s scouting report highlighted him as one of the best per-minute rebounders in college, averaging 3.7 offensive rebounds per game. He displayed a lot of potential with his quick leap, and keen instincts for the ball. At just 18, he was seen as someone with a ton of potential to keep improving and move up the draft boards.

However, his size—standing at 6-foot-7—raised concerns. As a forward, he was considered a bit undersized, caught between a combo forward and a true frontcourt player. Additionally, his limited scoring ability at the higher level was another question mark.

Despite this, Toppin stood out at the NBA Combine, drawing attention as a possible second-round pick. Still, he decided to return to college, knowing his future could be brighter in the long run. His impressive performances at New Mexico and now at Texas Tech push him for even greater success in the Big 12.

As he continues to work on his game and build his brand, his NIL value reflects his growing influence both on and off the court. Whether he stays in college for a few more years or takes the leap to the NBA, there’s no doubt that Toppin’s journey is just beginning.