Darrion Williams is set to rejoin Texas Tech for the 2026-27 season, as announced by head coach Grant McCasland. This move comes after Williams spent the previous season playing for NC State.
Williams started his collegiate journey at Nevada before transferring to Texas Tech, where he played two seasons. His year with the Red Raiders was in 2024-25, where he averaged 15.1 points, along with 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
He earned All-Big 12 First Team honors and played a key role in leading Texas Tech to the Elite Eight during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Last season at NC State, he led the team with an average of 14.0 points per game, contributing 151 rebounds, 92 assists, and 35 steals.
The opportunity for Williams to return stems from a recent court ruling in Colorado. A U.S. District Court judge determined that players from the high school class of 2022 who have completed their fourth season of college eligibility can now participate in a fifth season this academic year. Williams qualifies under this ruling, which has also allowed Texas Tech to sign another player, Stillwell.
This decision has significant implications for college basketball, as it alters player availability and eligibility rules, impacting team rosters across the nation. For Texas Tech, the return of a prominent player like Williams means they will have a competitive edge as they prepare for the upcoming season, following their successful run to the Elite Eight with him on the team previously.
