San Antonio, Texas — Texas Tech’s JT Toppin is named the recipient of the 2025 Riley Wallace Award, which honors the most impactful transfer in Division I basketball.
In the climax of a spectacular season, JT Toppin, the dynamic forward for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, has been selected the 2025 recipient of the Riley Wallace Award, which is given annually to the most impactful transfer in Division I college basketball. The statement, held in San Antonio, emphasizes Toppin’s significant impact not only to his team but also to the overall landscape of college basketball.
The Riley Wallace Award, named after the renowned former Hawaii head coach, recognizes the transforming impact of transfer athletes – players who inject new enthusiasm, leadership, and performance into their teams. In the 2024-2025 season, no player exhibited the mentality more than JT Toppin.
Toppin had big expectations after transferring to Texas Tech, and he well exceeded them all. Toppin soon established himself as a strong force in the Big 12. He averaged 20.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. He did more than just fill a role; he reinvented the team’s identity with his two-way brilliance and emotional leadership.
Head Coach Grant McCasland commended Toppin’s contribution in a passionate statement:
“JT didn’t just fit into our system; he became its engine. His presence inspired everyone around him, and his commitment to excellence both on and off the field makes this award well-deserved.”
Toppin’s presence in Lubbock served as the catalyst for one of the Red Raiders’ most successful seasons in recent memory. Under his guidance, Texas Tech not only rose in the national rankings, but also made a long postseason run, reigniting Red Raider Nation’s enthusiasm and pride.
His ability to smoothly integrate into a new program while quickly becoming a cornerstone distinguishes him from the numerous excellent transfers across the country. Whether it was a clutch three-pointer, a game-saving block, or a fiery speech in the huddle, Toppin represented everything the Riley Wallace Award stands for.
In his winning speech, an emotional Toppin acknowledged those who assisted him along the way:
“Transferring is never tricky, but the instant I stepped onto campus, I felt loved. Texas Tech offered me more than just a new jersey; it gave me a family. This honor is dedicated to my teammates, coaches, family, and every fan in Raiderland who believed in me. I am delighted to represent Texas Tech and thankful to be a part of this adventure.”
Off the court, Toppin has made news for his charity initiatives, including a $3.3 million project to transform a Texas property into a shelter for homeless youngsters. That same selflessness is obvious in his playing style, which always prioritizes the team.
With this latest distinction, JT Toppin’s legacy at Texas Tech is solidified. And, as he pursues a professional career, there’s little doubt that he’ll take the teachings and affection he learned in Raiderland with him wherever he goes.
Congratulations to JT Toppin, the 2025 Riley Wallace Award winner and true embodiment of impact, resilience, and greatness.