Darrion Williams is returning to Texas Tech for the 2026-27 season, as announced by head coach Grant McCasland. This comes after the player spent the previous season at NC State.
Williams began his collegiate journey at Nevada and played two seasons with Texas Tech. His performance during his junior year in Lubbock, 2024-25, saw him average 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, earning him All-Big 12 First Team recognition and contributing to the Red Raiders' run to the Elite Eight in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Last season at NC State, he led the team with an average of 14.0 points per game, alongside 151 rebounds, 92 assists, and 35 steals.
The opportunity for Williams to return arises from a recent ruling by a U.S. District Court judge in Colorado. The decision states that individuals from the high school graduating class of 2022, who have completed their fourth year of college eligibility, are permitted to compete for a fifth season this academic year.
Williams falls into this category, as does another player Texas Tech recently signed under the same ruling.
This ruling not only impacts Texas Tech but also affects the broader college basketball landscape, as it alters eligibility regulations that were previously determined by governing bodies. The Red Raiders are set to begin their season in the fall, with Williams's return raising expectations, especially after their Elite Eight appearance in 2025.
