Though most fans hate having to make themselves aware of the latest legal rulings, those who cheer for the Texas Tech basketball team have been keeping a close eye on court cases involving several high-profile members of the 2026-27 roster. Monday, the most popular of the three Tech players trying to earn a fifth year of eligibility, Darrion Williams, won a significant battle in that fight.
A judge in McLennan County, Texas, has granted 31 players, including Williams, a temporary injunction in their lawsuit against the NCAA. That means that those players are currently eligible until a final decision in the case is made.
According to the ruling, "...the Court finds that the Plaintiffs have demonstrated a probable right to recovery and a probable, imminent, and irreparable injury in the absence of temporary injunctive relief. Plaintiffs face the loss of finite opportunities to enroll, practice, train, compete, obtain roster positions, and receive compensation associated with participation in collegiate athletics during the 2026-27 academic year."
Eventually, a final hearing will be held in this case to determine the eligibility of all plaintiffs. However, that could take weeks, or even months, so with the season set to begin in early November, this injunction could pave the way for Williams to suit up for the Red Raiders from game one.
Ven-Allen Lubin, Darrion Williams and Dallin Hall, among others, were granted a temporary injunction for a 5th year today in Texas, per attorney @TexasTrialGroup.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) September 22, 2026
The group was previously granted a TRO. https://t.co/lrtqWhezN8 pic.twitter.com/EVQkHxqqhW
Of course, Texas Tech is counting on the court system to give this year's roster a boost. Along with Williams, guard Donovan Atwell and forward Jamichael Stillwell are also fighting for a fifth year of eligibility in separate court cases.
If all three of those players eventually earn the right to play this season, Texas Tech will have a loaded roster capable of winning the Big 12 and reaching the Final Four (especially once superstar forward J.T. Toppin returns from the knee injury that cut his 2025-26 season short).
Williams, in particular, is expected to be a foundational piece of the Red Raider lineup. Before he returned to Tech following a season at N.C. State, there was a question about how head coach Grant McCasland and his staff would fill the hole in the roster that had existed since Williams left Lubbock after the 2024-25 season.
Last year, the Red Raiders tried to turn to Washington State transfer LeJuan Watts, but he disappointed for much of the season. Though he averaged 11.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game as a Red Raider, he was a defensive liability and lacked the clutch gene Williams has shown. In fact, Watts was often guilty of making back-breaking mistakes at the most inopportune moments.
As a result, Watts and Tech went their separate ways after last season. He's now playing for the Washington Huskies.
That left Tech searching for help at the small forward position again. Fortunately, Williams and Tech decided to reunite for one last run to fill that hole in the roster.
Last season, Williams averaged 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game for the Wolfpack. He also improved his 3-point shooting, taking it from 34.0% in 2024-25 to 40.4% a year ago.
An honorable-mention All-ACC player in his fourth year of college ball, he was an All-Big 12 first-team performer the last time he played for McCasland. What's more, he helped lead the Red Raiders to the Elite Eight that year.
Williams was certainly missed last season by everyone associated with the Texas Tech basketball program, especially the fans. Now, he's back in Lubbock and fighting for his right to play one final season of college basketball. Monday, he won a big victory in that pursuit.
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