How Texas could address final scholarship vacancy

JT Toppin, F

Texas's top priority among big men in the portal late this spring is former New Mexico Lobos standout freshman power forward JT Toppin. The reigning Mountain West Rookie of the Year had a sensational true freshman campaign for the Lobos last season.

He led the team in blocks, rebounds, and field goal percentage, helping New Mexico to the program's first NCAA Tournament appearances in nearly a decade (since 2015). Not only was Toppin the MWC Rookie of the Year, but he was also a First-Team all-conference selection.

Texas is one of the schools standing out to Toppin early in his portal recruitment. He also likes the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Kansas State Wildcats, and Alabama Crimson Tide among the top four teams early in his portaling process (along with Texas) this spring.

Toppin is currently going through the NBA Draft scouting process. He declared early for the 2024 NBA Draft when he announced in his intentions to enter the transfer portal earlier this offseason.

But Toppin is reportedly expected to return to school for his sophomore season after declaring early for the draft this spring.

Texas is clearly a major player in this portal recruitment for the No. 5 transfer power forward in the 247Sports Composite. The Longhorns will find themselves in a lengthy dogfight for one of the top forwards available late in the spring portal cycle.

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