Darrion Williams, the 6’6″, 225-pound forward, fresh off a First Team All-Big 12 season at Texas Tech, made waves in the transfer portal as he withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft on May 20. Instead, he chose to return to college for his senior year.
Kansas and NC State are the current frontrunners in the race to secure Williams for their programs, with Ohio State, Auburn, and BYU also in the mix. Williams’s decision has the potential to reshape a program’s season run in 2025-26. Below, we have discussed the potential landing spots for this young talent and more.
Darrion Williams Looking To Join A New Program After Dropping From 2025 NBA Draft
After earning Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors at Nevada in 2022-23, he transferred to Texas Tech, where he tapped into his full potential under coach Grant McCasland.
NEWS: Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and two of the leaders to land him are Kansas and NC State, source told @TheFieldOf68 👀 pic.twitter.com/5DconpCs6n
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) May 20, 2025
In 2024-25, Williams averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 43.9% from the field.
His March Madness stats averaged 21 points and 7.3 rebounds, including a game-tying three and game-winner in an overtime upset over Arkansas in the Sweet 16. His season-high was 28 points against Drake and 23 against Florida in the Elite Eight.
At the NBA Combine, Williams tied for first in a 3-point drill, hitting 18-of-25 shots (72%), but struggled in scrimmages, going 1-for-9 across two games. This, coupled with his career low 34% three-point shooting at Texas Tech, likely pushed him to withdraw from the draft.
However, after his withdrawal, multiple programs are trying to secure him for their program. Among them, Kansas is making a hard push, with Williams visiting Lawrence on May 20. The Jayhawks, facing frontcourt uncertainty after losing Hunter Dickinson, see Williams as a perfect fit alongside top recruit Darryn Peterson.
Coach Bill Self’s system, which produced NBA talents like Joel Embiid, could elevate Williams’s draft stock. With three scholarships open, Kansas has the NIL budget to compete, especially after missing out on prospect Dame Sarr.
NC State, meanwhile, offers a chance for Williams to be the focus point of a team. Coach Kevin Wade’s track record with versatile forwards like Naz Reid makes the offer more appealing. The Wolfpack’s NIL resources rival Kansas, but their thinner frontcourt depth could guarantee Williams a starring role, boosting his 2026 NBA Draft prospects.
BYU, Ohio State, and Auburn are also in the race. However, they aren’t pushing as hard as Kansas and NC State.
In the end, Williams himself holds the keys to his future. His 84.5% free-throw shooting and defensive tenacity make him a plug-and-play star, but improving his 34% three-point shooting is very important if he wants to go far in his career.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
Kansas and NC State offer the best blend of exposure, NIL money, and NBA development, with Kansas slightly ahead due to its recent push.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
