Texas Tech star JT Toppin injures lower right leg in loss to Arizona State

Toppin, a preseason All-America selection, went down in the second half with an apparent leg injury.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Texas Tech star JT Toppin, a preseason All-America selection averaging nearly 22 points per game, suffered an injury to his lower right leg late in the second half of the Red Raiders' 72-67 loss to Arizona State on Tuesday night. Toppin had to be assisted off the court after going down in a heap, and the severity of the injury is still unknown.

Why it matters

Toppin's injury is a major concern for Texas Tech, as he is one of the best players in the country and the Red Raiders' chances of success this season rely heavily on his production. The team was already trailing when Toppin went down, and they struggled to recover, ultimately falling to the Sun Devils.

The details

With 6:03 remaining in the second half and Texas Tech trailing 61-56, Toppin drove to the basket and went down in pain, holding his right leg. He stayed on the floor for a few minutes before being helped to the locker room. Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland said the team would have to wait to evaluate the severity of the injury.

  • Toppin was injured with 6:03 remaining in the second half.

The players

JT Toppin

A junior forward for Texas Tech who was a preseason All-America selection and was averaging nearly 22 points per game before suffering the injury.

Grant McCasland

The head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Bobby Hurley

The head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to say until we get it looked at closely. But I just know he's really disappointed. He's such a competitor. We'll get back and get him looked at.”

— Grant McCasland, Texas Tech Head Coach

“I hope he's OK, and I hate to see a guy go out of a game like that. He's one of the best players in the country. My heart goes out to him and hope that he's back soon for them.”

— Bobby Hurley, Arizona State Head Coach

What’s next

Texas Tech will have Toppin evaluated to determine the severity of the injury and how long he may be sidelined.

The takeaway

Toppin's injury is a major blow to Texas Tech's hopes this season, as he is one of the best players in the country. The Red Raiders will have to find a way to overcome his absence if he is forced to miss significant time.