Darrion Williams has signed on to play for Texas Tech in the 2026-27 season, marking his return to the program after a year at NC State. Head coach Grant McCasland confirmed the signing.
Williams previously started his college journey at Nevada before transferring to Texas Tech, where he played for two seasons. His performance came during his junior year in Lubbock, when he averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, earning All-Big 12 First Team honors and helping the Red Raiders advance to the Elite Eight in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
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 stems from a recent court ruling by a U.S. District Court judge in Colorado. The ruling states that athletes from the high school class of 2022, who have completed their fourth year of college eligibility, are allowed to compete for a fifth year this season.
This decision has impacted rosters nationwide, allowing players like Williams and another Texas Tech recruit to join programs after the typical recruiting period had concluded.
For Texas Tech fans, Williams' return means an All-Big 12 First Team selection will remain in the conference rather than moving to the ACC. The ruling also highlights how legal decisions are influencing eligibility rules in college sports, reshaping team lineups on a legal timeline rather than an athletic one.
