Today, Patrick Mahomes is one of the biggest names in football. Arguably the best player in the NFL, he has had an unmatched start to his career through seven seasons as a starter. However, there was a time when he was unsure which sport to pursue.
An exceptional all-around athlete, Mahomes excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. Eventually, he chose football at Texas Tech but has remained deeply invested in other sports. So it wasn’t surprising to see him support a basketball standout from his alma mater.
JT Toppin, Meet Patrick Mahomes
A charter member of the Big 12 since its inception, Texas Tech has never been known as a basketball powerhouse. While consistently competitive, they have won just one regular-season conference title since the turn of the millennium.
The Red Raiders have been a regular in the NCAA tournament, but their success has not been linear. However, this year, there’s a lot of optimism. After finishing second in the Big 12 standings, Texas Tech has a legitimate chance to win the conference.
A big part of their success this season is JT Toppin. He made Big 12 history, becoming the first player to win both Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in the same season.
Toppin’s performance caught the attention of the entire basketball world— and beyond. Reacting to the official post on X, Mahomes wrote:
“Let’s go!!!!! Congrats!”
Let’s go!!!!! Congrats! https://t.co/V4dqfAiWN0
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) March 10, 2025
Toppin is only the second player from Texas Tech to win Big 12 Player of the Year, already cementing his place in program history. His accolades are well deserved, as he led the team in points and rebounds, averaging 18.1 and 9.3 per game, respectively.
Additionally, he was a defensive force, leading the Red Raiders with 33 blocks. However, in the second half of the season, he took his game to another level. In a nine-game stretch to close out the year, Toppin averaged nearly 25 points and 11 rebounds per game.
With three 30-point, 10-rebound performances, his case for conference honors became stronger by the day. Now, with the Big 12 tournament concluding on Saturday, March 15, Texas Tech will be counting on Toppin to lead them to a championship.
How Much Is JT Toppin’s NIL Worth?
As of early 2025, Toppin’s NIL valuation is predicted to be at $1.5 million, placing him eighth in college basketball and 33rd overall.
This high valuation reflects his excellent sophomore season, during which he averaged 16.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, secured six double-doubles, and established his supremacy in the Big 12.
While the specifics of Toppin’s NIL contracts remain unknown, his projected NIL valuation of $1.5 million sheds light on his prospective earnings.
This figure includes a variety of endorsements and partnerships that take advantage of his sporting accomplishments and growing popularity.