You’ve seen the name. You’ve definitely seen the dunks. When JT Toppin started tearing up the Mountain West at New Mexico before exploding into a Big 12 superstar at Texas Tech, the first thing everyone did was grab their phones and head to Google. It makes sense. In the world of basketball, the name Toppin is practically synonymous with high-flying forwards and NBA-level athleticism.
But here’s the thing about the JT Toppin brothers situation: it’s the most common case of mistaken identity in college hoops right now.
Most fans assume JT is just the latest in a production line that started with Obi Toppin (now with the Indiana Pacers) and continued with Jacob Toppin (formerly of Kentucky). They’re all tall. They’re all explosive. They all have that specific "Toppin" brand of rim-running energy.
Wait.
They actually aren't related. At all.
Why Everyone Thinks They Are Related
It’s an honest mistake. Honestly, if you saw a 6'9" guy named Toppin jumping out of the gym in a red jersey, you’d assume the DNA test was a formality. Obi and Jacob Toppin are brothers from Brooklyn. They grew up in the New York area, played their ball in the Northeast, and eventually made it to the pros.
JT Toppin? He’s a Texas kid through and through.
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Born Jadyn Toppin in Dallas, he played his high school ball at Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff. He didn't grow up in the shadow of the Madison Square Garden lights; he grew up in the hyper-competitive Dallas-Fort Worth basketball scene. While the "other" Toppin brothers were making their names at Dayton and Rhode Island, JT was busy winning back-to-back Class 4A state championships in Texas.
The confusion got so real that during the 2025 season, sports broadcasters had to keep a "not related" disclaimer handy. It’s basically the basketball version of thinking every guy named Smith is cousins.
The Real JT Toppin Family Tree
So, if Obi and Jacob aren’t the brothers, who is JT actually rolling with?
JT does have siblings, but they aren't the NBA household names you’re thinking of. His New Mexico bio briefly mentions he has three younger siblings. Unlike the New York Toppins, who have a very public "hoop family" brand, JT’s family life is a bit more private.
What we do know is that the "brotherhood" he actually leans on is the one he built on the court. At Faith Family Academy, he was part of a legendary unit. Then, at New Mexico, he became the ultimate "little brother" to a veteran Lobos squad, winning Mountain West Freshman of the Year and showing everyone that his last name wasn't the only thing he had in common with elite talent.
He’s a self-made star.
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By the time he hit the transfer portal and landed at Texas Tech, he had officially stepped out of any hypothetical shadow. He isn't "Obi's little brother." He’s the guy who led the Red Raiders in points, rebounds, and blocks while earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors in 2025.
Comparing the Games: JT vs. Obi and Jacob
Even though they don't share a dinner table, the comparisons are actually pretty fascinating from a scouting perspective. If you look at the stats, you can see why the scouts get a little dizzy.
- The "NBA" Toppins (Obi & Jacob): Their game is built on verticality. Obi was a lob threat from the second he stepped on the court at Dayton. Jacob was similar—long, lean, and dangerous in transition.
- The "Texas" Toppin (JT): JT is a bit more of a "bruiser" with finesse. He’s 6'9" and roughly 230 pounds, but he plays bigger. His rebounding numbers are actually superior to what Obi or Jacob were doing at the same age. In 2024-25, JT was pulling down nearly 10 boards a game in one of the toughest conferences in America.
There’s a different kind of "mean" to JT’s game. While the New York brothers are flashy, JT is the guy who will fight through three people for an offensive rebound and then finish with a soft touch. He’s got that "Texas big man" grit.
Does the Last Name Help or Hurt?
In the NIL era, names are currency. Having the name "Toppin" probably didn't hurt JT's visibility early on. People saw the name on the back of a jersey and stayed tuned to see if he could dunk like Obi.
The downside? The constant questions.
Can you imagine being 19 years old, accomplishing things no freshman in New Mexico history has ever done, and every interview starts with: "So, how’s your brother doing in Indiana?"
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JT has handled it with total class. He’s consistently focused on his own journey—from Oak Cliff to Albuquerque to Lubbock. He’s building his own brand. If anything, the "Toppin" name is now becoming associated with his dominance in the Big 12 just as much as it is with the NBA Slam Dunk contest.
What’s Next for the "Third" Toppin?
By early 2026, JT Toppin has become a legitimate first-round NBA draft prospect. He’s no longer the "other" Toppin. In fact, there’s a real chance that in a few years, people might ask Obi if he’s related to JT.
His decision to return to Texas Tech for the 2025-26 season after testing the NBA waters was a massive power move. It showed he wasn't just chasing a paycheck; he wanted to dominate. And he has. His double-double streak in early 2026 put him on the Naismith Trophy watch list, firmly cementing him as one of the best players in college basketball.
If you’re following the JT Toppin brothers storyline, the real takeaway isn't about bloodlines. It’s about how a kid from Dallas took a famous basketball name and made it his own through sheer work and a relentless motor.
Next Steps for Fans and Collectors:
If you’re tracking JT Toppin’s career, keep a close eye on his 2026 draft stock. Most scouts have him projected as a versatile "small-ball" four who can switch defensively. Focus on his shooting percentages from the perimeter; that’s the final piece of the puzzle that will determine if he joins the other Toppins in the NBA as a lottery pick or a late first-rounder. Watch the Texas Tech conference schedule—specifically the matchups against Kansas and Baylor—as those are the "pro-scout" games that will define his legacy.