Texas Tech opened its first official practice for the 2026-27 season Tuesday with Jamichael Stillwell, Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell listed on the active roster. All three are pursuing temporary injunctions in separate eligibility matters.
Williams returned to Texas Tech after playing at NC State during the 2025-26 season. He spent his first two college seasons with the Red Raiders and helped them reach the Elite Eight in 2024-25. Coach Grant McCasland called the return an unusual process and said Williams eventually asked if McCasland would reserve a scholarship for him.
Williams is one of 31 players covered by a case that produced an injunction allowing a fifth season of eligibility. Atwell and Stillwell are seeking another season in separate cases. McCasland said the program will move forward with the players cleared to compete and has enough capable players to manage roster changes.
McCasland said the roster was assembled around athleticism, competitiveness and experience, along with a shared commitment to winning and to one another. Atwell made 45.8% of his 3-point attempts last season while taking a career-best 8.4 per game, and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. Texas Tech’s season is set to begin Nov. 2 at United Supermarkets Arena.
