5. Texas Tech Red Raiders
JT Toppin (21.8 ppg and 10.8 rpg)
Cruz Davis (20.1 ppg and 4.7 apg at Hofstra)
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (20.7 ppg and 2.5 apg at UNLV)
Toppin is a former Big 12 Player of the Year who was having another All-American campaign before a season-ending torn ACL. That prevented him from entering the NBA Draft and, depending on how his recovery timeline goes, may not be able to enter the 2027 draft if his stock isn’t as high.
That’s why this ruling could be particularly great for Texas Tech. Toppin can return at his own pace and still be able to play for the 2027-28 season. He’d very well could be the most expensive player in all of college basketball but he’d be worth every penny due to his past play.
Then there’s Davis and Gibbs-Lawhorn, two of the top transfer guards from outside of the high-major ranks. They now have an extra year available, allowing the Red Raiders to retain at least one if they play well at the Big 12 level.
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