Texas Tech announced that JT Toppin suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, sidelining him for the rest of the season and affecting the Red Raiders’ chances in the Big 12 and NCAA Tournaments.
JT Toppin’s Season-Ending Knee Injury To Affect Texas Tech’s Big 12, NCAA Tournament Aspirations
Toppin, who averaged 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, was a four-time Big 12 Player of the Week and led the nation in made field goals (234). He also formed a 1-2 combo with guard Christian Anderson, helping Texas Tech to a 19-7 (9-4 Big 12) record before the injury cut short his 2025-26 men’s college basketball campaign.
The reigning Big 12 Conference player of the year sustained a knee injury at the 6:03 mark of the second half in Texas Tech’s 72-67 loss to Arizona State last Tuesday, February 17. The 6’9″ forward lost his balance while driving to the lane and fell to the ground. He was helped to the bench, favoring his right leg, and did not return to the game.
As Wes Bloomquist wrote on the team’s official website, “An MRI [scan] confirmed that Texas Tech junior forward JT Toppin sustained a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee Tuesday night in the game at Arizona State.”
Before the fateful fall, Toppin was wheeling and dealing. He had 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting, 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and four blocks in 32 minutes. An MRI confirmed the extent of the injury, which will require surgery and rehabilitation of the injured knee.
He had built a solid 2025-26 season before the unfortunate incident. He was the only player averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. He was a three-time recipient of the US Basketball Writers Association’s Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week and a prime candidate for the Wooden and National Player of the Year.
Toppin was a key part of Texas Tech’s success over the past two seasons. Last season, he was a vital contributor to the Red Raiders’ Elite Eight finish, and his loss would significantly affect the team’s chances.
Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland said in an interview that, even after learning of the ACL tear, he was concerned about how the Red Raiders would grab rebounds without him, noting the forward’s competitive spirit was intense and unbelievable.
“I said, ‘what do you think about our group?’ He’s like, ‘I just don’t know how we’re going to rebound.’ I love that about him, because he’s genuine,” McCasland said.
Texas Tech played its first game without Toppin on Saturday, beating Kansas State 100-72 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Toppin’s absence affected the Red Raiders’ performance against the Wildcats, forcing them to start sophomore forward Luke Bangboye in place of the injured star.
The 6’11” VCU transfer had a solid game in his first start since December 7, 2025, recording 12 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in 21 minutes. Guards Donovan Atwell and Anderson took turns leading the Red Raiders’ offense, scoring 26 and 21 points, respectively, and shooting 16-of-24 from the field.
Texas Tech won the rebounding battle 40-28, and they will need to gang-rebound for the rest of the season to make up for Toppin’s in-game production. LaJuan Watts and Bangboye combined for 12 rebounds and 31 points.
The No. 16 Red Raiders play Cincinnati (15-12, 7-7 Big 12) tonight, then travel to Ames to face No. 4-ranked Iowa State (23-4, 10-4 Big 12) on Saturday at Hilton Coliseum.
