Texas Tech's JT Toppin Out for Season with Torn ACL

Reigning Big 12 Player of the Year to miss remainder of 2026 season

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Texas Tech star forward JT Toppin sustained a torn ACL in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season, the school announced Wednesday. Toppin, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, leads the No. 13 Red Raiders in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots.

Why it matters

Toppin's injury is a major blow to Texas Tech's hopes of contending for a Big 12 title and making a deep NCAA Tournament run. As the team's leading scorer and rebounder, his absence will force other players to step up and fill the void.

The details

An MRI confirmed the severity of the injury for Toppin, who was hurt while driving to the basket with 6:03 remaining in the Red Raiders' 72-67 loss to Arizona State on Tuesday. He was assisted to the locker room a few minutes later and did not return.

  • Toppin was injured on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 during Texas Tech's game against Arizona State.
  • The school announced Toppin's season-ending injury on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

JT Toppin

A junior forward and the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, who leads Texas Tech in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots.

Kelvin Sampson

The head coach of the Houston Cougars, who praised Toppin as the best player in the Big 12 conference.

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What they’re saying

“I've said from Day 1 the best player in this league is JT Toppin. He is the hardest guy to game plan for. And they do, and they've set their personnel around him, where you got to make a decision on Toppin.”

— Kelvin Sampson, Houston Cougars Head Coach

What’s next

The Red Raiders (19-7, 9-4 Big 12) return to action on Saturday, February 22, 2026 against Kansas State in Lubbock, Texas.

The takeaway

Toppin's season-ending injury is a major setback for Texas Tech, who will have to find a way to replace the production and leadership of their star player as they look to secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament without him.