Texas Tech gave fans a small but important clue about JT Toppin’s status this week, though it still left plenty unanswered.
The Red Raiders posted a video through their basketball media account showing Toppin walking to a locker, putting on his jersey and turning to the camera. The clip ends with the caption “2026-27.” That strongly suggests Toppin will be back for the upcoming season, but it does not say when he’ll actually be ready to play.
That remains the real question after the catastrophic knee injury he suffered late last season. There had been uncertainty about whether he would suit up at all in 2026-27, and the video appears to settle that part. What it does not settle is how much he’ll be able to contribute, or how soon.
A return in January would still come after roughly 10 months away from competitive basketball. Even if the injury is fully healed, that kind of layoff usually means a player needs time to get back to form. It could take more than a month before Toppin looks like the All-American version of himself again, which would push that timeline well into February.
That creates a tricky reality for Texas Tech. If Toppin misses most or all of the non-conference schedule, he may not be able to get up to Big XII speed in time to matter.
By the time he’s fully back, the Red Raiders’ season could already be in trouble. On the other hand, if Texas Tech is still in the hunt for a Big XII title, then Toppin’s return could be decisive.
For now, though, the bigger issue is how thin the roster looks in mid-July. Beyond Toppin, the only returning player from last year’s team who is known to be able to help in the Big XII is forward Josiah Moseley.
Among the newcomers, the players who appear most ready for that level are freshman guard Dakari Spear and transfer guards Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn. Even with Toppin back early, that group alone does not look like enough to carry the load.
That is why the rest of the roster matters so much, and why time is becoming a problem. There has been talk about adding a Euro or two, along with the possibility of Darrion Williams returning to the franchise. But unless those pieces become reality, Toppin’s comeback may not change much.
Texas Tech has confirmed enough to know Toppin is coming back. It still hasn’t shown enough to make anyone comfortable about what comes next.
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Cody Campbell Sees Texas Tech Setting The New Big 12 Standard
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