Texas Tech is scheduled to begin its season Nov. 2 at United Supermarkets Arena, with Jamichael Stillwell, Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell still listed on the active roster while eligibility cases involving each player continue.
The Red Raiders held their first official practice for the 2026-27 season Tuesday. Coach Grant McCasland said the roster was built around athleticism, competitiveness and experience, along with a shared desire to win and commitment to one another. He said the program will move forward with the players who are eligible and believes it has enough capable players to manage roster changes.
Williams is returning after playing for NC State in 2025-26. He previously spent two seasons at Texas Tech and helped the Red Raiders reach the Elite Eight in 2024-25. McCasland called the return process unusual and said Williams ultimately asked whether the coach would keep a scholarship available.
Williams is one of 31 players in a case that produced a temporary injunction allowing a fifth year of eligibility. Stillwell and Atwell are pursuing an additional season in separate cases. Atwell also returns after making 45.8% of his 3-point attempts on a career-high 8.4 attempts per game last season and receiving All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition.
