Insider claims Texas Tech returnee JT Toppin set to make whopping $4M with new NIL package

Modified Apr 09, 2025 19:01 GMT

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament West Regional-Texas Tech at Florida - Source: Imagn

Texas Tech's top scorer is set to return next season. On Tuesday, sophomore forward JT Toppin announced his decision to come back. According to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander, securing Toppin was a costly move for the school, as he is expected to receive an NIL package worth approximately $4 million.

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Toppin spent his freshman season at New Mexico before transferring to Texas Tech. He had a standout sophomore season, leading the team in points per game, with 18.2, and rebounds, with 9.4. He proved himself as a two-way force with a team-best 1.5 blocks per game.

As of this March, Toppin had an NIL valuation of $1.5 million, with deals including Athletes Tread, Raising Cane's and Team Vktry. A $4 million NIL package will be a big step forward for him.

The young forward is the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year and helped lead the Red Raiders to the Elite Eight during their March Madness run. As Texas Tech looks to continue establishing itself as a top-tier basketball program, the return of Toppin is monumental, no matter how costly.

JT Toppin's performance in Texas Tech's March Madness run

This year, Texas Tech made its first Elite Eight appearance since making a run to the title game in 2019. JT Toppin served as an essential contributor to the team's postseason success.

The sophomore averaged 33 minutes on the court this postseason and played his best basketball of the season. Toppin recorded a double-double in all four of the Red Raiders' NCAA Tournament games, averaging 19.3 points and 11.0 rebounds.

Toppin is known for his shooting success. His 55.4% field goal percentage is tied for 47th in NCAA, and he surpassed this average in the postseason, shooting 59%. He also shot 40% from beyond the arc in March Madness as compared to 33.3% on the season.

The forward's mindset both on and off the court made him successful at Texas Tech this past season.

"He's such a laid-back guy," Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland said of Toppin. "When you talk to him, he's awesome. He's such a good person, and I love being around him. But when he plays basketball, he plays with an edge and intensity, and he loves to compete.

"I've tried to explain it to people after I'd been around him a few times. JT is different than anybody I've ever coached. It's got a different energy to it."

Toppin was a valuable piece of Texas Tech's success this season and will look to grow his skill set when he returns next year.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Alvin Amansec