JT Toppin earns unanimous honor as Texas Tech is picked fifth

JT Toppin received unanimous preseason recognition from Big 12 coaches, while Texas Tech was picked fifth in the conference’s men’s basketball poll released Thursday.

The senior enters his third season with the Red Raiders after earning consensus second team All America honors in each of the past 2 seasons. He also made the conference’s first team both years and was the 2025 Big 12 Player of the Year.

Toppin averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds last season before an injury ended his campaign. His latest honor is his second consecutive selection to the preseason conference team.

Arizona was picked first with 12 first place votes. Houston received the other 4, followed by Kansas, Iowa State and Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders open November 2 against Jackson State at United Supermarkets Arena. Conference play begins January 2 at Cincinnati. Last season, Tech finished tied for third in the Big 12 with 12 wins and 6 losses.

Help support independent local coverage by liking, commenting and sharing The806er.

Photo via Reuters