Kentucky’s transfer-portal shopping list may already have a familiar name on it.
Ben Roberts of the Lexington Herald-Leader reported that NC State forward Darrion Williams is a player to keep an eye on for the Wildcats. Kentucky has not officially reached out to him, but the school would reportedly have interest if Williams is cleared for a fifth season of eligibility.
“There was some buzz last month that Kentucky would be interested in Williams as a potential candidate for the 15th roster spot, and now that his path to a fifth season of eligibility has cleared, the Cats could be among his suitors in the transfer portal,” wrote Roberts.
Williams, who has also played at Texas Tech, is a 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward who works mainly at the 4. That spot is also the biggest question mark for Kentucky’s 2026-27 roster. International prospect Ousmane N’Diaye and James Madison transfer Justin McBride have both shown promise, but neither has the kind of proven track record Williams brings after earning all-conference honors in two different leagues.
He was part of Texas Tech’s run to the Elite Eight in 2024-25, when the Red Raiders lost to eventual national champion Florida in the final minute. Texas Tech led by nine with three minutes left before Walter Clayton Jr. took over down the stretch.
Williams just finished a season at NC State in which he averaged 14 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 41.4% from the field and 40.4% from 3-point range, good for honorable mention All-ACC recognition. His top statistical season came in 2024-25 at Texas Tech, when he posted 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 43.9% overall and 34.0% from deep, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors.
There’s also a portal wrinkle worth noting. CBS Sports’ Austin Massey reported that Williams entered the transfer portal in April while seeking that fifth year, and that timing matters because of the recent court ruling giving all class of 2022 players an extra season.
Under that ruling, players must have entered the portal during the spring window if they want to leave for a new school. Williams did.
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