Overview

• JT Toppin announced his return to Texas Tech for his junior season, opting out of the 2025 NBA Draft despite being a fringe first-round prospect.
• The decision was driven by a reported $4 million NIL deal, nearly double the largest known NIL payment from last year.
• Toppin's standout sophomore season included earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors and leading Texas Tech to the Elite Eight with three consecutive 20-point triple-doubles.
• This development exemplifies how rising NIL payments are encouraging top-tier talent to remain in college rather than pursuing early professional careers.
• Toppin's return positions him as a preseason favorite for National Player of the Year and a potential lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.