Darrion Williams has signed with Texas Tech for the 2026-27 season, making a return to the program after previously leaving a year ago. Head coach Grant McCasland confirmed the signing of Williams, who played last season at NC State.
Williams began his college journey at Nevada before transferring to Texas Tech, where he played for two seasons. His All-Big 12 First Team junior year in Lubbock during the 2024-25 season saw him average 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
He was recognized with All-Big 12 First Team honors and contributed to the Red Raiders' advancement to the Elite Eight in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. At NC State, he led the Wolfpack with an average of 14.0 points per game, alongside 151 rebounds, 92 assists, and 35 steals.
The opportunity for Williams to return stems from a recent court ruling. A U.S. District Court judge in Colorado determined that individuals from the high school class of 2022, who have completed their fourth year of college eligibility, are permitted to play a fifth season this academic year.
This ruling has allowed Texas Tech to sign Williams, along with another player, Stillwell, under the same eligibility criteria.
For Texas Tech fans, this means an All-Big 12 First Team selection is back in the conference instead of competing in the ACC. The ongoing legal changes to eligibility rules continue to impact college basketball, shifting player availability outside traditional athletic timelines.
