Overview

• JT Toppin announced his decision to return to Texas Tech for his junior season, turning down the opportunity to enter the 2025 NBA Draft.
• Reports indicate Toppin will earn approximately $4 million in NIL deals next season, nearly doubling the highest publicly known NIL payment from last year.
• Toppin’s standout sophomore season included Big 12 Player of the Year honors, second-team All-American recognition, and an Elite Eight run with Texas Tech.
• His return is expected to elevate Texas Tech’s national profile, with the team projected to rank in the top 10 and Toppin a frontrunner for National Player of the Year honors.
• This decision reflects a growing trend where lucrative NIL deals influence top college athletes to delay professional careers for financial and developmental benefits.