The final pieces of NC State’s 2025–26 men’s basketball roster are coming together, with a major addition announced Thursday night. Darrion Williams, ranked No. 6 in the transfer portal by both 247Sports and On3, has committed to the Wolfpack.
Williams brings experience and versatility to NC State after playing one season at Nevada and two at Texas Tech, where he primarily played power forward. In a farewell message on social media, Williams thanked Texas Tech: “Thank you Tech for everything! I wouldn’t trade these last two years for anything. Lubbock is a second home to me and will always have a special place in my heart.”
As a junior with the Red Raiders, Williams averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, with a 23% assist rate. He shot 34% from three-point range—down from an impressive 46% the previous season—and connected on 44% of his field goal attempts overall. Despite the statistical dip, Williams delivered in key moments, including a clutch go-ahead layup in overtime to help Texas Tech defeat Arkansas and reach the Elite Eight.
NC State’s 2025–26 men’s basketball roster is nearing completion with a significant addition. On Thursday night, Darrion Williams — ranked No. 6 in the transfer portal by both 247Sports and On3 — committed to the Wolfpack.
Williams, a versatile forward, arrives in Raleigh after one season at Nevada and two at Texas Tech, where he primarily played power forward. In a farewell message on social media, he expressed gratitude for his time in Lubbock: “Thank you Tech for everything! I wouldn’t trade these last two years for anything. Lubbock is a second home to me and will always have a special place in my heart.”
During his junior year with the Red Raiders, Williams averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, while posting a 23% assist rate. He shot 34% from beyond the arc — a drop from his sophomore mark of 46% — and connected on 44% of his field goal attempts. Despite the statistical decline, Williams continued to deliver in key moments, including a decisive go-ahead layup in overtime to lift Texas Tech past Arkansas and into the Elite Eight.
Williams entered the NBA Draft evaluation process this spring but chose to return to college after a mixed performance at the combine. While he tied for first in the 3-point contest, he struggled to make an impact during scrimmages. Earlier this week, he officially withdrew from the draft. In an interview with CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter, Williams explained that his focus was solely on the draft process and he didn’t engage with coaches during that time — though he remained open to returning to school if that proved best for his future.
“I’m open to it, but I wanted to be full in on the draft,” he said. “I didn’t want to be one foot in, one foot out. If I have to go back, I’ll go back, [but] I want to go through the draft [process]. It’s my first time doing this.”
First-year NC State head coach Will Wade recently told the News & Observer he aimed to finalize the roster by early June. With Williams on board, the Wolfpack now has 11 scholarship players, with room for two more under the current 13-scholarship limit. If the proposed House v. NCAA settlement is approved, teams could award a mix of full and partial scholarships to up to 15 players.
NC State currently ranks No. 12 in the 247Sports transfer portal team rankings, with a class featuring one five-star and five four-star transfers. Overall, the program sits at No. 15 nationally in recruiting, having added two five-star and six four-star prospects.
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