Darrion Williams Returns to Texas Tech for Fifth Season After Court Grants Extra NCAA Eligibility

Forward Darrion Williams has signed a new contract to play a fifth season of college basketball with Texas Tech, taking advantage of a recent U.S. District Court ruling that grants players an additional year of NCAA eligibility. The Colorado judge’s preliminary injunction applies to the 2022 high‑school class, allowing those who exhausted four seasons in spring 2026 to return for a fifth year. Williams, who previously spent two seasons at Texas Tech (2023‑25) and led North Carolina State with 14.0 points per game last season, will rejoin the Red Raiders in Lubbock. The announcement also included the signing of transfer forward Jamichael Stillwell from UCF, who likewise qualifies for the extra season.

Williams’ college career includes stints at Nevada, Texas Tech, and NC State, accumulating over 1,600 points, 800 rebounds and 300 assists. The NCAA is expected to appeal the court’s decision, but the immediate effect is that Texas Tech will field an experienced roster for the upcoming season.