Darrion Williams commits to Texas Tech after Kentucky reportedly showed interest

As more players pursue a fifth year of college eligibility following temporary court injunctions allowing certain athletes to compete for an additional season, schools are beginning to add experienced players to their rosters.

That trend continued with former NC State transfer Darrion Williams, who recently committed to Texas Tech for his fifth and final season, provided the current eligibility ruling remains in place.

Kentucky showed interest in Williams last month, according to Ben Roberts of the Lexington Herald-Leader, but the Wildcats ultimately missed out on the 6-foot-6, 225-pound wing.

Williams spent last season at NC State, averaging 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 40.4% from the 3-point line.

Before joining the Wolfpack, Williams spent two seasons at Texas Tech, where he started 67 games. He began his college career at Nevada, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game and earning Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors.

Williams then averaged 7.5 rebounds per game during his first season at Texas Tech before transferring to NC State.

For Kentucky, Williams would have provided valuable depth on the wing, particularly with Kam Williams missing summer workouts after undergoing a second foot surgery. Williams is expected to take his time recovering in hopes of returning at full strength for the upcoming season.

Kentucky will now have to look elsewhere if Mark Pope wants to add another experienced player to his roster.

The Wildcats will hope Braydon Hawthorne can take a significant step forward after redshirting last season, but there are still questions surrounding Kentucky’s wing/forward depth and which players can emerge.

Pope and his staff still have several potential targets to consider, including Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler, Missouri forward Mark Mitchell and Auburn forward Keyshawn Hall.

With the eligibility situation continuing to develop, Kentucky could have more opportunities to add an experienced player before the 2026-27 season begins.