🚨 The National Player of the Year Front-Runner
JT Toppin enters the 2025–26 season with a target on his back — not just as Texas Tech’s go-to guy, but as the projected best player in college basketball. And he’s got the numbers to back it up.
Last season, the 6’9″ forward averaged:
- 18.2 points per game
- 9.4 rebounds per game
- 59.2% true shooting
That combination of production and efficiency is rare — and Toppin did it against elite Big 12 competition.
📊 Advanced Stats Breakdown
Toppin wasn’t just good — he was elite analytically:
- 20th in the nation in Usage Rate
- 5th in Offensive Rebounding Percentage
- 2nd in PER (Player Efficiency Rating)
- 4th in Offensive Box Plus-Minus (OBPM)
Those numbers highlight his ability to contribute on nearly every possession — through scoring, offensive boards, or drawing extra attention that opens up teammates.
🏆 Big 12 Reign
Toppin’s dominance helped secure Big 12 Player of the Year honors — no small feat in one of the most physical, fast-paced, and deep conferences in the country. Now, he returns not just as the favorite to repeat in the Big 12, but to take home National Player of the Year honors.
If Texas Tech makes a March run, expect Toppin to be the engine behind it.
🔭 The Road Ahead
Toppin’s skill set — high motor, rebounding dominance, and efficient scoring — makes him one of the most complete players in college basketball. If his growth continues, he could become a lottery lock and potentially carve out a legacy as one of the best to ever wear a Red Raiders uniform.
