Texas Tech adds Darrion Williams for a fifth season, pairs him with UCF forward Jamichael Stillwell

Texas Tech has moved to fortify its forward rotation by signing two players who can take advantage of a recent court ruling that granted some student-athletes one additional year of NCAA eligibility. On Friday, the Red Raiders announced the signings of Darrion Williams and Jamichael Stillwell, giving Texas Tech two wings who can add size and scoring versatility to a veteran-leaning roster plan.

Williams, a 6-foot-6 forward, is returning to Lubbock for a fifth season after previously playing for Texas Tech from 2023-25. According to the announcement, he comes to the Red Raiders after a season at North Carolina State in which he was the Wolfpack’s leading scorer, a production profile that can matter quickly for a program looking to create reliable scoring threats from the perimeter and in transition.

Stillwell joins Texas Tech from UCF as a 6-foot-8 transfer forward. The addition of a second big wing changes the makeup of Texas Tech’s frontcourt in a measurable way: it adds another player capable of defending multiple positions, rebounding on the long glass, and providing a scoring outlet in the half court through interior-post touches and secondary shotmaking.

The eligibility twist at the center of both moves is a window created by the court decision that extended NCAA participation for certain players. For college programs, that often means roster planning has shifted from “one-and-done” life cycles toward retaining or reshaping talent with more time. For players, it creates a second chance to match fit, role, and development with a program they believe can amplify their skill set.

From Texas Tech’s perspective, pairing Williams with Stillwell suggests a deliberate approach rather than a purely incremental move. Williams returns to the place where he has already been developed within the program’s style and system, while Stillwell brings the perspective and experience of coming from a different conference environment at UCF. Together, they provide a blend of continuity and fresh perspective, which can be especially valuable during the offseason when coaches are building chemistry before the first exhibitions.

One thing to watch next is how quickly each player’s role crystallizes. Williams’ scoring background at North Carolina State points to him being used as a primary or secondary offensive option, while Stillwell’s fit may hinge on how Texas Tech balances shot creation against the need for defensive stability. The Red Raiders’ rotation decisions will likely reveal how much the program intends to lean on its new wings early in the season.

With these signings, Texas Tech is also addressing one of the biggest offseason realities in college basketball, roster churn. Transfers are common, but the extra eligibility year adds a layer of complexity, because it can bring back players who might otherwise have moved on. That makes recruiting and transfer planning for the Red Raiders a continuing process rather than a single transaction window, and it keeps the team’s competitive outlook tied to how these two forwards integrate into the larger group.