Darrion Williams Transfer Portal Destinations: Kansas Moves Ahead of BYU But NC State Still In The Hunt

The chase for Texas Tech forward Darrion Williams is officially on after the former Texas Tech forward withdrew his name from the 2025 NBA Draft. Williams has one year of college eligibility remaining and is expected to be one of the most sought-after players remaining in the transfer portal. Many teams have already spent the majority of their NIL budgets but a few programs still have enough of a remaining budget to land a prospect of Williams’ caliber. While BYU was thought to be his top landing spot, Kansas is reportedly making a late push with a considerable NIL offer after losing out on international prospect Dame Sarr.

Williams averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists this season, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors. He led Texas Tech to the Elite Eight, putting up 21 points per game during the tournament. His performance made him one of the most sought-after players in the college basketball transfer portal and his versatility helped propel him up NBA Draft boards.

Here’s what might be next for Williams, including four potential transfer portal destinations for his next team.

Kansas Makes Late Push But Will It Be Enough?

Bill Self is reportedly making a late push for the Texas Tech transfer and Kansas might be one of the only programs with enough remaining cash to threaten BYU.

The Jayhawks are faced with significant roster turnover in 2025-26 but have put together a strong transfer portal and recruiting class, led by arguably the top recruit in Darryn Peterson. Transfers Tre White, Jayden Daniel, and Melvin Council all figure to work their way into the Jayhawks rotation at some point but the picture in the frontcourt remains much cloudier now that Hunter Dickinson has moved on.

However, Self just lost out on highly-touted international prospect Dame Sarr, who is no longer expected to the Jayhawks, which could put some added pressure on Kansas to add another high-profile player. Flory Bidunga is back but it remains to be seen whether or not he’s ready to make an immediate impact while incoming freshman Bryson Tiller could also be counted on for big minutes if nothing materializes.

That opens the door for an experienced player like Darrion Williams to step into big minutes and a potential high-usage role.

Williams projects as a role player at the next level and operating alongside a potential top-five pick in Peterson could give scouts confidence that he could slide into a productive role on an NBA roster. His versatility on both ends of the floor, ability to initiate offense, and comfort defending multiple positions make him an appealing plug-and-play option. If he lands in Lawrence, he could be the stabilizing veteran presence Self needs to anchor an otherwise young and evolving lineup.

Why BYU Is Still In The Chase for Darrion Williams

BYU makes sense for a few reasons. Kevin Young, a former NBA assistant, has shifted the program toward a more pro-style approach. That matters to a player like Williams, who’s already shown an advanced feel for the game.

His ing, court vision, and willingness to move without the ball would work well in a spaced-out, movement-heavy offense. BYU also has a clear hole in the rotation after recent guard departures, and Williams could step into a featured role immediately.

The Cougars have been active in the NIL market too, securing major commitments like A.J. Dybantsa and Robert Wright III with strong financial backing. BYU offers minutes, structure, and resources — all in a Power Five setting — plus the opportunity to play alongside a future No. 1 overall pick.

If BYU lands a player like Williams in the transfer portal, it would give next year’s team legitimate national title aspirations — and send a clear message to the rest of the Big 12 that the Cougars intend to be perennial contenders in a Power Five conference.

Jake Hatch of Locked On Cougars has reported that both sides have made , indicating that there is mutual interest between both parties. While no details of those conversations were given, it appears that BYU is a serious contender for Williams and would likely be the highest bidder in what could be a historic season for BYU basketball.

BYU’s basketball roster is all but rounded out at this point but the late addition of Williams would still generate some serious buzz among Cougar fans.

NC State In The Running For Williams After Draft Process

NC State has ed the race late in the process, according to Jeff Goodman of FieldOf68.

Wade has already proclaimed that this will not be a rebuilding season and the Wolfpack have some high-profile transfers coming in, including former McNeese State guard Alyn Breed and Houston forward Terrance Arceneaux. The Wolfpack are also reportedly in the running for PJ Haggerty, who could be a major difference maker in the backcourt but landing both Haggerty and Williams would undoubtedly put NC State in contention atop the ACC.

NC State has the money to challenge Kansas and BYU but the Wolfpack arguably offer more opportunity for the former Texas Tech star. At Kansas and BYU, Williams would likely be overshadowed by two of the top recruits in the country, who are widely expected to be among the top three picks taken in the 2026 NBA Draft.

At NC State, however, Williams would be able to showcase his versatility against some of the top NBA Draft prospects on a nightly basis, something that could move the needle on his NBA Draft stock. Wade also has a history of sending players to the pros, including former LSU forward Naz Reid, who has become indispensable thanks to his versatility during the Minnesota Timberwolves run to the Western Conference Finals.

Kentucky Is Not Out Of The Running Yet

Kentucky was thought to be among the top transfer portal destinations for Williams but it appears that the program might not have the budget to secure another high-profile player.

Mark Pope has built one of the highest-paid rosters in college basketball, but NIL money doesn’t stretch forever. The recent addition of Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen might’ve eaten into the remaining budget, making it difficult for the Wildcats to make a serious push for Williams.

Williams is one of the hottest names remaining in the portal and would be a major addition to nearly every program in the country. He’s versatile, experienced, and has already proven that he can be productive while buying into his role. Kentucky can still offer national exposure, top-tier SEC competition, and a clear path to NBA scouts. But in today’s game, fit isn’t everything—money matters.

If the Wildcats aren’t willing to match what other NIL powerhouses like BYU and NC State are offering, they may be forced to pivot, despite the mutual interest.

Williams Officially Withdraws From The 2025 NBA Draft

Williams helped lead the Red Raiders to the Elite Eight in 2025 before declaring for the NBA Draft and entering his name in the portal.

Expected to be a mid-to-late second-round pick, Williams ultimately decided that he’d be better off returning to college basketball for his final season of eligibility. Not only would Williams likely earn more money in the transfer portal than he would as a second-round pick, but he’d also have an opportunity to improve his overall draft stock in what is considered to be a top-heavy class.

Now that Williams has committed to returning to college, all eyes will be on his final destination. Kansas, BYU, and NC State are positioned as front-runners for the former Texas Tech forward. These three schools can offer what he’s likely looking for: a starting role, a path to the league, and a system that lets him play his game.