BREAKING NEWS: Excitement Fills United Supermarkets Arena as Texas Tech Red Raiders Star JT TOPPIN Announces Return to Red Raiders for 2025-26 Season.
In a move that’s electrified the Texas Tech community, star forward JT Toppin has officially announced his return to the Red Raiders for the 2025-26 basketball season. The news broke Friday evening during a live appearance at United Supermarkets Arena, where an enthusiastic crowd erupted in cheers as Toppin confirmed he would forego the NBA Draft for at least one more year in Lubbock.
“Red Raider Nation, I’m not done yet,” Toppin said, stepping up to the mic in front of thousands of fans. “We’ve got unfinished business, and I want to bring a championship to Lubbock.”
The 6-foot-9 sophomore was a standout force this past season, averaging 14.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, earning All-Big 12 honors and catching the attention of scouts across the country. Speculation had swirled for weeks about whether he would declare for the NBA Draft, but his decision to stay comes as a major boost for Texas Tech’s hopes of contending nationally next season.
Head Coach Grant McCasland expressed excitement at the announcement, calling Toppin “the heart and soul of this team” and praising his leadership both on and off the court.
“JT’s decision shows the kind of person he is — committed, driven, and loyal,” McCasland said. “He believes in this program, and we believe in him.”
Fans quickly took to social media, with #ToppinReturns trending within minutes. Students celebrated on campus, and alumni praised the announcement as a defining moment for the future of Texas Tech basketball.
With Toppin back in the lineup, the Red Raiders are expected to be a serious contender not just in the Big 12, but nationally. Expectations are already soaring for a deep NCAA tournament run next spring.
As the 2025-26 season looms, one thing is certain — the United Supermarkets Arena will be rocking louder than ever, and Red Raider Nation is all in.
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