Texas Tech senior JT Toppin has earned two national preseason basketball honors, while the Red Raiders baseball program is preparing for a change on its pitching staff.
JT Toppin named to two watch lists
Toppin was named Thursday, October 29, to the Karl Malone Award watch list and the NABC Division I Player of the Year preseason watch list. The Karl Malone Award recognizes the nation's top power forward, while Division I head coaches select the NABC award.
According to Texas Tech Athletics, Toppin has 1,593 points, 907 rebounds, 159 blocks and 47 double-doubles in 94 career games. He averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds as a junior before an injury ended his season early. Texas Tech says he continues rehabilitation ahead of his senior season.
Steve Foster retires; Jacob Evans named pitching coach
Texas Tech pitching coach Steve Foster announced his retirement Thursday after more than two decades coaching in college and professional baseball. Foster spent the 2026 season on Tim Tadlock's staff after working with major-league organizations including the Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins.
Texas Tech said Foster helped establish a technology- and analytics-focused pitching lab. Foster said his retirement decision took effect October 28 and thanked the university for the opportunity to coach in his home state.
Tadlock announced that Jacob Evans, who joined Texas Tech in August as director of pitching development, will serve as pitching coach for the 2027 season. Evans previously worked at Oklahoma and Central Oklahoma.
