Texas Tech star JT Toppin suffers season-ending ACL tear

The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year was a projected first-round NBA draft pick.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Texas Tech junior forward JT Toppin, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year and a projected first-round NBA draft pick, suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee during a loss to Arizona State on Tuesday night. Toppin was having another dominant season, averaging 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, before the devastating injury occurred in the second half.

Why it matters

Toppin's injury is a major blow to Texas Tech's NCAA Tournament hopes and robs college basketball fans of the chance to watch one of the sport's brightest young stars compete in March Madness. The injury also jeopardizes Toppin's chances of being selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

The details

Toppin was driving to the basket with 6:03 remaining in the second half and Texas Tech trailing Arizona State 61-56 when he collapsed to the floor and immediately grabbed his right leg. He required assistance leaving the court and did not return. An MRI on Wednesday confirmed the season-ending torn ACL.

  • The injury occurred with 6:03 remaining in the second half on February 18, 2026.
  • Texas Tech announced the MRI results confirming the torn ACL on February 19, 2026.

The players

JT Toppin

A junior forward for the Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball team, Toppin was the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year and a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft before suffering the season-ending ACL tear.

Grant McCasland

The head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Injury Update on JT Toppin: An MRI has 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.”

— Texas Tech Basketball (X)

What’s next

The Red Raiders will have to find a way to compete in the Big 12 and NCAA Tournament without their star player. Toppin's recovery and rehabilitation timeline will be closely watched as he prepares for the 2026 NBA Draft.

The takeaway

Toppin's season-ending injury is a devastating blow to both Texas Tech's championship aspirations and the player's own NBA draft stock. The loss of one of college basketball's most exciting talents is a major disappointment for fans looking forward to seeing him compete in March Madness.