Grant McCasland notes JJ Toppin’s ‘right’ mindset despite ACL injury

Texas Tech Red Raiders coach Grant McCasland did not refrain from JT Toppin’s thinking following a season-ending ACL injury.

Disaster struck #13 Texas Tech during a game against the Arizona State Sun Devils on February 17th. Taupin tore his ACL in the second half, ultimately ending his season as the Red Raiders’ national championship hopes suffer a near-fatal blow.

McCasland addressed Topin’s situation during a news conference Friday. He became emotional because of his star player’s mindset despite the brutal news, showing Toppin’s level of commitment to helping the team win despite being sidelined for the rest of the 2025-26 campaign.

“He said, ‘I just want to play with our team. I don’t know how we’re going to recover.’ That’s what I love about him. He is so honest… Joy comes in mourning. And there’s a lot of grief,” McCesland said.

Grant McCasland gets emotional discussing JT Toppin’s injury:

“He said, ‘I just want to play with our team. I don’t know how we’re going to recover.’ That’s what I love about him. He is so honest… Joy comes in mourning. And there is a lot of grieving.”

(🎥: @NathanGiese) pic.tvitter.com/fdVkVPhIfv

— The Field 68 (@TheFieldOf68) February 20, 2026

What’s next for Grant McCasland, Texas Tech

Unfortunately, Grant McCasland and no. 13 Texas Tech plays the rest of the year without JT Toppin.

Topin played at an exceptional level during his third season with the Red Raiders. Before the injury, he earned recognition as one of the best players in the country. He averaged 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.5 steals per game over 25 appearances. He shot 54.8% from the field, including 28.1% from beyond the arc and 57.9% from the free throw line.

Texas Tech has an overall record of 19-7 on the season, going 9-4 in the Big 12 so far. They are in fourth place in the conference standings, above the BIU Cougars and UCF Knights, while trailing the Kansas Jayhawks and Iowa State Cyclones.

The #13 Red Raiders will be hoping to hold down the fort at home. They host the Kansas State Wildcats and tip-off will take place on February 21st at 2:30pm ET.