In a bold and unprecedented move, Texas Tech basketball standout JT Toppin has chosen to forgo the 2025 NBA Draft, opting instead to return to college for another season under a record-breaking $4 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal. This decision not only cements his loyalty to the Red Raiders but also signals a seismic shift in the college sports landscape.
Toppin, who transferred to Texas Tech from New Mexico after his freshman year, wasted no time making his mark in Lubbock. In his sophomore campaign, he averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, becoming the centerpiece of a team that surged all the way to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.
His dominant presence on the court earned him Big 12 Player of the Year honors and made him a consensus All-American. With accolades piling up, many believed he would declare for the NBA Draft and land in the first round. Instead, Toppin shocked fans and scouts alike with his decision to stay.
At the heart of his choice is the staggering $4 million NIL agreement—by far the largest public deal for a college basketball player to date. The deal not only provides financial security but also allows Toppin to continue developing his game while leading a program on the rise.
For Toppin, the benefits of staying in college extend beyond the paycheck. With another year at Texas Tech, he has the chance to fine-tune his skills, increase his draft stock, and chase a national championship—an achievement that would cement his legacy.
Throughout the 2024–25 season, Toppin delivered one highlight performance after another. His career-high 41 points and 15 rebounds in a dramatic double-overtime win became an instant classic, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting players in the country.
With Toppin returning, Texas Tech is poised to enter the 2025–26 season as a legitimate title contender. His leadership on and off the court is expected to elevate the entire roster and push the Red Raiders to new heights.
This decision also illustrates a broader trend: top athletes are no longer rushing to the professional ranks. Thanks to NIL deals, they now have the flexibility to make strategic choices that balance financial gain, athletic development, and personal goals.
Toppin’s move could set a new precedent for college stars nationwide. It demonstrates that staying in school can now be both a lucrative and practical option for elite players, reshaping the conversation around early draft declarations.
Fans, coaches, and teammates celebrated the announcement with excitement, recognizing that Toppin’s return could spark a historic run for the program. His loyalty and commitment have earned him even greater admiration in Lubbock and beyond.
Ultimately, JT Toppin’s decision to turn down the NBA—for now—and embrace a $4 million NIL opportunity represents a landmark moment in college basketball. It highlights the power of the new era, where student-athletes have more control than ever over their futures.
