Darrion Williams is back with Texas Tech for the 2026-27 season after previously playing at NC State. Head coach Grant McCasland confirmed the signing, marking Williams' return to the program he left last year.
Williams began his collegiate journey at Nevada before transferring to Texas Tech, where he played two seasons. During his All-Big 12 First Team junior year in Lubbock, he averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, earning All-Big 12 First Team honors and contributing to the Red Raiders' run to the Elite Eight in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Last season, he led NC State with an average of 14.0 points per game, along with 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 athletes from the 2022 high school graduating class who completed their fourth year of college eligibility this spring can compete for a fifth year this academic season. Williams is among those affected by this decision, which has allowed programs to adjust their rosters.
For Texas Tech and its supporters, Williams' return means an All-Big 12 First Team selection will remain in the conference instead of moving to the ACC. This ruling also signifies a shift in how eligibility rules are governed, impacting college basketball on a broader scale.
Texas Tech's season begins in the fall, and Williams' performance will be compared to his previous achievements with the team.
