Texas Tech was hoping for a best-case scenario regarding JT Toppin's injury, but instead the Red Raiders got the unfortunate news that the leading scorer will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.
The loss of Toppin can't only be considered devastating for Texas Tech and college basketball as a whole. He was not only the Red Raiders' leading scorer and leading rebounder, but he was in the discussion for National Player of the Year honors. Toppin is the type of player that can carry a team through the tournament and now Texas Tech will have to pick up the pieces without him.
Injury Update on JT Toppin:
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) February 18, 2026
An MRI has confirmed that Texas Tech junior forward JT Toppin sustained a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee Tuesday night in the game at Arizona State.
Red Raiders must figure out how to move forward with JT Toppin
Grant McCasland didn't have an immediate update on Toppin after Tuesday's 72-67 loss to Arizona State, but his comments spoke a lot about where his mind was in case the injury was as bad as it looked.
"It definitely knocked us on our heels a little bit, but we've got a competitive group and found a way to get to a one-possession game and gave ourselves a chance to win late, which is what you want," McCasland said.
He also added that he liked the lineup he had on the floor in the final minutes. Replacing Toppin with one player isn't going to happen, but McCasland can find some answers with different lineups. Christian Anderson, who fouled out late against Arizona State, will be leaned more offensively. LeJuan Watts only played 18 minutes against the Sun Devils, and he's going to need to be on the floor more. Luke Bamgboye will have to be a beast on the boards and in protecting the rim.
Via ESPN Research: JT Toppin is the first player to have 30 PTS, 10 REBS and 0 TOs vs. the No. 1-ranked team in more than 20 seasons.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) February 15, 2026
Toppin is also the second player in AP poll history to have a 30-point double-double in a road win over the No. 1 team.pic.twitter.com/t2dBfrI5zg
It might be hard to see a route to a championship without Toppin, but this is still a tournament team and the guys McCasland puts on the floor will be capable of playing at a high level.
"This team has always responded...this was a huge one, and I don't want to understate that. But we're playing to put ourselves in position, and we've got to respond, turnaround and go back home and get ready to win on Saturday," McCasland added.