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Texas Tech Says Forward JT Toppin Cleared to Play in 2026-27 Season
Texas Tech confirmed via video on July 8 that forward JT Toppin will return for the 2026-27 season after a February ACL injury. The announcement resolved eligibility questions tied to a new NCAA rule.
Jul 10, 6:19 PM·1m read1 source
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Texas Tech announced on July 8 that forward JT Toppin will play for the Red Raiders during the 2026-27 season. The university released a video confirming his participation after questions arose over a new NCAA rule known as 5-in-5. Toppin suffered a season-ending torn ACL in February during the 2025-26 campaign.
He averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game across 25 contests before the injury. In 2025 Toppin had been projected as a first-round NBA draft pick. He instead signed a $4 million NIL deal to remain at Texas Tech.
He is recovering from the ACL tear with no firm timetable for return to full strength. Texas Tech defeated Akron in the first round of the most recent NCAA Tournament before losing to Alabama in the second round. The Red Raiders do not appear in ESPN analyst Jeff Borzello’s way-too-early top-25 rankings for the upcoming season.
Yardbarker.com reported the details of the announcement.
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