Who is Jacob Toppin Dating? Is it Liv Walker in 2025?
The Atlanta Hawks’ dynamic forward, Jacob Toppin, is making waves in the 2025 NBA Summer League, showcasing his skills with a standout 15-point, 8-rebound performance against the Phoenix Suns on July 14, 2025, and a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double just days earlier. As he solidifies his case for a rotational role with the Hawks, who re-signed him to a two-way contract on July 11, 2025, fans are buzzing not only about his on-court prowess but also about his personal life.
Who is Jacob Toppin dating? The question lingers as fans seek to know more about the 25-year-old’s romantic world. While rumors have swirled, particularly around a possible connection with Love Island USA star Olivia “Liv” Walker, Jacob keeps his private life tightly guarded.
Let’s explore what we know about his dating status, his background, and how he balances fame, family, and the spotlight.
Is Jacob Toppin Single?
There’s no confirmed information about a girlfriend or a public relationship. Jacob’s social media, primarily focused on basketball highlights and training, offers few clues about his romantic status. Posts from September 2024 speculated about a possible romance with Love Island USA star Olivia “Liv” Walker, but recent updates suggest those rumors may not hold water. Let’s dive into the speculation and see what’s out there.
Meet Jacob Toppin: The Rising Star
To understand Jacob’s world, let’s start with who he is. Born on May 8, 2000, in Brooklyn, New York, Jacob Toppin is a 6-foot-9 small forward known for his athleticism, defensive hustle, and improving jump shot. He began his college basketball journey at the University of Rhode Island, where he averaged 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds as a freshman, before transferring to the University of Kentucky.
At Kentucky, he developed into a breakout star by his senior year, averaging 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds, earning praise for his high-flying dunks and versatility. After going undrafted in 2023, Jacob signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, splitting time between the NBA and the G League’s Westchester Knicks. In March 2025, he joined the Atlanta Hawks on a two-way deal, and his recent Summer League performances show he’s ready to take the next step in his third NBA season.
Jacob’s family is a big part of his story. He’s the younger brother of Obi Toppin, the Indiana Pacers forward and 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion. The Toppin brothers, raised by their mother, Roni Toppin, in Ossining, New York, share a tight bond, often cheering each other on.
Roni, a former basketball player herself, has been a constant source of support, shaping both sons into the driven athletes they are today. While Jacob’s career is well-documented, his dating life is less clear, sparking curiosity among fans eager to know if he’s found someone special.
The Liv Walker Rumor: Fact or Fiction?
Olivia “Liv” Walker, a 22-year-old reality TV star from Love Island USA Season 6, has been at the center of rumors linking her to Jacob. In July 2025, Liv told NBC Insider she’s dating a “mysterious athlete” but is keeping his identity private to nurture their relationship.
She described him as “such a great guy” and teased a possible “TikTok hard launch” if things progress, but for now, she’s focused on building something solid away from the public eye. This comment set off a wave of speculation, with some fans pointing to Jacob Toppin as a potential match, given his status as a young, rising athlete and his New York roots, which align with Liv’s background.
The rumor gained traction in September 2024 when a social media post noted a video on Jacob’s TikTok showing a woman’s hand with distinctive nails and rings, which some fans believed belonged to Liv. Others pointed to a post by Liv’s friend JaNa, who tagged Liv in a video with Jacob and another athlete, suggesting they were hanging out in New York.
However, sources have since clarified that Jacob is not Liv’s mystery athlete, stating, “No, not Jacob Toppin, despite past rumors.” Lack of concrete evidence—like shared photos or public appearances—suggests the connection was more fan-driven than factual.
Liv’s own journey adds context. After Love Island USA and her appearance on Beyond the Villa in 2025, Liv has been navigating fame, mending friendships, and building her career through YouTube and brand deals.
Her comments about her athlete boyfriend indicate she’s prioritizing a low-key relationship, which doesn’t align with Jacob’s equally private but basketball-focused lifestyle. For now, it seems Liv is dating someone else, and Jacob’s heart remains unclaimed—at least in the public eye.
Jacob’s Approach to Fame
Jacob’s decision to keep his dating life under wraps isn’t surprising. As a two-way player splitting time between the NBA and the G League, his schedule is packed with practices, games, and travel. In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jacob shared his mindset: “Every day, I’m working on my game, trying to perfect my craft.”
This focus on improvement suggests he’s channeling most of his energy into basketball, leaving little room for public romance. His Summer League stats—19 points and 10 rebounds against the Heat, 15 points and 8 rebounds against the Suns—show he’s all about proving himself on the court.
His family-oriented nature also plays a role. Jacob often credits his mother, Roni, and brother, Obi, for keeping him grounded. Growing up in Ossining, the Toppin family faced challenges, but Roni’s guidance helped Jacob and Obi stay focused on their goals.
Jacob’s Instagram is filled with posts about his workouts and games, with occasional shoutouts to his family, but no hints of a girlfriend.
The Toppin Brothers: A Bond Beyond Basketball
Since the question of Jacob’s relation to Obi Toppin often comes up, let’s set the record straight: yes, Jacob and Obi are brothers, born to Roni Toppin. Obi, drafted eighth overall by the Knicks in 2020, has had a more established NBA career, earning $12.975 million in 2025 and a Slam Dunk Contest title.
Despite their different paths, the brothers share a close relationship, often seen hyping each other up online. For example, Obi has reposted Jacob’s highlight dunks, and Jacob has spoken about looking up to his older brother as a role model. Their mother, Roni, a former streetball player’s daughter, instilled a love for basketball in both sons, and her presence at their games is a constant source of pride.
The Toppin brothers seem to prioritize their careers and family over publicizing their love lives, which makes sense given the pressures of professional sports.
Jacob’s Career and Lifestyle: Shaping His Dating Choices
Understanding Jacob’s career and finances offers insight into the kind of life he leads, which could influence his dating choices. As a two-way contract player, Jacob splits time between the Hawks and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks. In the 2024-25 season, he played 17 NBA games across the Knicks and Hawks, averaging 1.4 points and 0.9 rebounds in 4.5 minutes per game.
In the G League, he was a standout, averaging 22.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over 23 games with the Skyhawks and Westchester Knicks. His career-highs include 40 points and 16 rebounds in a G League game in February 2024, showing his potential as a future NBA regular.
Financially, Jacob’s two-way contract likely earns him between $600,000 and $700,000 for the 2025-26 season, split between NBA and G League pay. His net worth, estimated in the low six figures, reflects his early-career status as an undrafted player. This modest but comfortable income suggests Jacob lives a grounded lifestyle, likely favoring genuine connections over flashy, high-profile relationships.
Why Fans Are So Curious
The curiosity about Jacob’s dating life stems from his rising star status and his connection to Obi. His New York roots and brief Knicks tenure place him in a cultural hub where athletes and entertainers often mingle, fueling speculation about potential romances with figures like Liv Walker. Social media amplifies this interest, with fans analyzing every post for clues. For example, the September 2024 post about Jacob’s TikTok video sparked a flurry of comments, even though it didn’t confirm a relationship.
Fans also love the idea of seeing Jacob balance love and basketball. The thought of him finding someone who supports his hectic schedule—traveling between Atlanta and G League games, training daily, and navigating the pressures of the NBA—is relatable.
Liv Walker’s Story: Why She’s Not the One
Liv, a New York native like Jacob, rose to fame on Love Island USA Season 6, where her bold personality and loyalty to friends like JaNa and Kaylor Martin won fans over. In Beyond the Villa, premiered in 2025, she’s been open about her post-show life, including her dating status. Her comments about her athlete boyfriend emphasize privacy, which mirrors Jacob’s approach but doesn’t confirm a connection.
The September 2024 social media buzz, including JaNa’s tagged post, suggested a link, but the lack of follow-up—like joint appearances or mutual follows—points to a platonic or non-existent tie. Liv’s focus on her career and friendships, plus the debunking by sources, makes it unlikely she’s Jacob’s girlfriend.
What’s Next for Jacob?
As Jacob heads into the 2025-26 NBA season, his focus remains on earning a bigger role with the Hawks. Coach Bryan Bailey praised his development in the Summer League, noting his “size, length, and ability to shoot” as weapons in transition. Jacob’s daily grind to improve his jump shot and defensive versatility shows he’s all-in on basketball. His two-way contract allows him to play up to 50 NBA games, and with injuries opening opportunities, he could see more minutes.
On the personal front, Jacob might be open to dating, but there’s no rush. At 25, he’s young, driven, and supported by a tight-knit family. If he’s seeing someone, he’s likely keeping it quiet to avoid the media frenzy that comes with being an athlete. Fans hoping for a glimpse into his love life might need to wait for a subtle hint, like a courtside companion or a cryptic post, but for now, Jacob’s keeping his heart off the public court.
Conclusion
Despite rumors linking him to Love Island USA star Liv Walker, credible sources confirm she’s dating another athlete, and no evidence ties her to Jacob. As a rising Hawks forward, Jacob is focused on his career, with standout Summer League performances and a new two-way contract signaling a bright future.
Fans are curious, and rightfully so, but Jacob’s story is one of dedication, hustle, and keeping personal matters close to the chest. As he continues to shine on the court, we’ll keep rooting for him—both in basketball and in whatever his heart holds next.
