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Darrion Williams Returns to Texas Tech, Impacting Big 12 Landscape

Darrion Williams has rejoined Texas Tech for the 2026-27 season after a court ruling.

Mateo Teague

August 8, 20261 min read

Basketball Court - illustration, Jake Team LLC
Basketball Court - illustration, Jake Team LLC

Darrion Williams has signed with Texas Tech for the 2026-27 season, marking his return to the program after a year at NC State. Head coach Grant McCasland confirmed the signing, which follows a recent court ruling that allows certain players to extend their college eligibility.

Williams previously played two seasons at Texas Tech, with his All-Big 12 First Team junior year in 2024-25 where he averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He earned All-Big 12 First Team honors and contributed 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, along with 151 rebounds, 92 assists, and 35 steals.

The U.S. District Court judge's ruling in Colorado has significant implications, as it allows players from the high school class of 2022, like Williams, to compete for a fifth season of eligibility. This decision has reopened rosters across the country, creating opportunities for programs to sign veteran players late in the recruiting cycle.

For Texas Tech, Williams' return means an All-Big 12 First Team selection is back in the conference. The Red Raiders are set to begin their season in the fall, with expectations tied to their previous success with Williams on the team.

The Colony is about 22 miles north of Dallas.

Sources

https://texastech.com/news/2026/8/7/mens-basketball-officially-signed-darrion-williams

https://www.kcbd.com/2026/08/07/darrion-williams-announces-return-texas-tech-basketball/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/2026/08/07/texas-tech-eligibility-darrion-williams-stilwell/085a670e-92ac-11f1-9fdc-0a725c989a7b_story.html

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Mateo Teague

Mateo Teague covers The Colony high school and area college sports.

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