Report: JT Toppin expected to command $4 million NIL package to return to Texas Tech

Texas Tech forward JT Toppin made headlines on Tuesday when he announced on Instagram that he was returning for the 2025-26 season. He’s one of the biggest stars in the sport.

Retaining him, though, was neither a small feat for the Red Raiders nor a cheap one. According to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, Toppin will return with the expectation of about a $4 million NIL package at Texas Tech next year.

Norlander cited a source for that news. And it is significant news.

JT Toppin is the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, having transferred to Texas Tech from New Mexico prior to the 2024-25 season. His year went exactly as hoped.

During 33 games with the Red Raiders, Toppin averaged 18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Texas Tech made it all the way to the Elite Eight during the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament but fell to the eventual champions in devastating fashion, as Florida erased a major deficit to end Texas Tech’s season.

It was a highly-successful first season for JT Toppin with Texas Tech, and it’s evident the Red Raiders will have a shot at greatness with him returning to the program for another season. Time will tell how high they can climb, but the forward will be looking for more in Lubbock this time around.

Prior to enrolling at Texas Tech, Toppin spent one year at New Mexico. During that year, he averaged 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He also blocked 1.9 shots per game and averaged 1.1 steals per contest.

Suffice it to say, Texas Tech certainly feels he’s worth paying to keep around. And the Red Raiders also flex their NIL muscle a bit as one of the schools with the deepest pockets.

On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this report on JT Toppin.