The name Toppin has become synonymous with elite-level basketball, but the search for "J T Toppin Brothers" leads to one of the most confusing family mysteries in modern sports. As of December 2025, fans are constantly asking: are college star JT Toppin and NBA players Obi and Jacob Toppin actually related? The short answer is a definitive no, but the story behind the shared name and parallel careers is a fascinating deep dive into college and professional hoops. This article cuts through the confusion, providing the latest updates on all three standout athletes.
The common misconception stems from the fact that there are two famous basketball-playing brothers, Obi and Jacob Toppin, and a rising star named Jayden “JT” Toppin, whose initials and last name create the perfect storm of mistaken identity. While they share no family ties, their individual journeys—from the transfer portal to the NBA—make them a compelling trio to follow. Here is a complete breakdown of their careers, biographies, and the definitive answer to the "J T Toppin Brothers" question.
Biography and Profiles: The Toppin Trio
To fully understand the current landscape, it is essential to separate the three key players who share this famous last name. Below are the complete profiles for Jayden "JT" Toppin, Obi Toppin, and Jacob Toppin.
Jayden “JT” Toppin (The Non-Relative Star)
- Full Name: Jayden Toppin
- Born: June 14, 2005
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 20
- Birthplace/Hometown: Dallas, Texas
- Parents: Naomi Toppin
- Siblings: Three siblings
- High School: Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff (Dallas, Texas)
- College Career: New Mexico Lobos (2023-2024), Texas Tech Red Raiders (2024–Present)
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Notable Honors: 2023-24 Mountain West Freshman of the Year, 2nd Team All-Mountain West
- Current Status: Transferred to Texas Tech and is a key player for the Red Raiders.
Obi Toppin (The NBA Brother)
- Full Name: Obadiah Richard Toppin
- Born: March 4, 1998
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 27
- Birthplace/Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
- Parents: Obadiah Toppin Sr. and Roni Toppin
- Siblings: Jacob Toppin (brother) and two half-siblings
- College Career: University of Dayton Flyers (2018–2020)
- NBA Draft: 2020, Round 1, Pick 8 (New York Knicks)
- NBA Teams: New York Knicks (2020–2023), Indiana Pacers (2023–Present)
- Notable Honors: 2020 Consensus National Player of the Year, Karl Malone Award (2020), NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (2022)
Jacob Toppin (The Other NBA Brother)
- Full Name: Jacob Toppin
- Born: May 8, 2000
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 25
- Birthplace/Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
- Parents: Obadiah Toppin Sr. and Roni Toppin
- Siblings: Obi Toppin (brother) and two half-siblings
- College Career: University of Rhode Island (2018–2019), University of Kentucky Wildcats (2020–2023)
- NBA Status: Professional basketball player, previously played for the Atlanta Hawks.
The Definitive Truth: Are JT Toppin and Obi/Jacob Related?
The most common search query, "J T Toppin Brothers," is a direct result of the confusion between these three prominent athletes. The definitive answer, according to multiple sports reports and biographical details, is clear: Jayden "JT" Toppin is not related to Obi Toppin or Jacob Toppin.
The shared last name is purely a coincidence. Obi and Jacob are genuine brothers who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. JT, on the other hand, was raised in Dallas, Texas. The only "Toppin Brothers" in professional basketball are Obi and Jacob.
The mix-up gained significant traction during the 2023-2024 college basketball season when JT Toppin, then a freshman at New Mexico, burst onto the scene with impressive stats, leading to immediate speculation about a family connection to the already-famous Obi Toppin.
JT Toppin’s Recent Career Trajectory and NIL Update
Jayden "JT" Toppin's career has been one of the most talked-about stories in college basketball since the transfer portal opened in 2024. His decision to leave the New Mexico Lobos and commit to the Texas Tech Red Raiders was a major move that made national headlines.
During his sole freshman season at New Mexico, Toppin was a dominant force, earning the Mountain West Freshman of the Year award. He led the Mountain West Conference in field goal percentage and was a consistent presence in the paint, showcasing his skills as a power forward and center.
The transfer to Texas Tech was not just a change of scenery; it was a major financial decision. Reports surfaced detailing Toppin's expected Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) package with the Red Raiders, which was rumored to be substantial enough to rival or exceed the salary of an NBA rookie. This highlights the massive financial opportunities now available to elite college athletes and underscores why Toppin's move was a signature victory for Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland.
His performance is consistently high-level. In recent games, Toppin has delivered impressive numbers, including a 23-point, five-block performance in a high-profile matchup, solidifying his status as a defensive and offensive anchor for the Red Raiders.
The Toppin Brothers (Obi and Jacob) Professional Journeys
While JT Toppin dominates the college landscape, the actual Toppin brothers, Obi and Jacob, are carving out their careers in the professional ranks.
Obi Toppin’s NBA Path
Obi Toppin, the elder of the two brothers, was a lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft after a sensational college career at Dayton where he was named the National Player of the Year. After starting his career with the New York Knicks, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers. This move provided him with a larger role and more playing time, allowing him to better showcase his athleticism and transition scoring ability. His career is marked by incredible highlights, including winning the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Jacob Toppin’s Professional Development
Jacob Toppin followed his brother to the professional level after playing for the Kentucky Wildcats. Jacob's athleticism and versatility as a forward have led to opportunities, including a stint with the Atlanta Hawks. The brothers' parallel journeys from Brooklyn to high-major college basketball and then to the NBA have made the Toppin family a true basketball dynasty, separate from the unrelated JT Toppin.
The ultimate takeaway for anyone searching for "J T Toppin Brothers" is that the basketball world currently features three incredible players with the same last name: Obi and Jacob, who are brothers, and the non-related Jayden "JT" Toppin, whose rising stardom has fueled the confusion. All three are essential names to follow as they continue to shape the future of their respective leagues.
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