Darrion Williams Transfer Portal Destinations: BYU Leads Chase But Kansas Is Closing The Gap With Late Push

BYU is leading Kansas and Arkansas in the chase for Texas Tech forward Darrion Williams, who entered the NCAA transfer portal while also declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. Many teams have already spent the majority of their NIL budgets and few programs have enough of a remaining budget to land a prospect of Williams’ caliber. While BYU remains his top landing spot, Kansas is reportedly making a late push with a considerably NIL offer and the potential for big minutes in the Jayhawks’ frontcourt.

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 three potential transfer portal destinations for his next team.

Why BYU Leads 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 passing, 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 contact, 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.

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.

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. 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 space the floor, 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.

Arkansas Joins Race For Texas Tech Star

John Calipari’s track record of developing future NBA players and his ability to attract elite talent make Arkansas a compelling destination for Williams.

The Razorbacks are reloading at key positions and Williams would have a real opportunity for a high-usage role on an SEC team. Calipari’s offense typically thrives with versatile forwards who can create, shoot, and defend — a great fit for Williams’ skill set.

Arkansas is losing four of its top five scorers from a season ago. Boogie Fland and Adou Thiero both entered the NBA Draft and are not expected to return next season.

Thiero is expected to be a late-first round pick, which would extend Calipari’s run of developing NBA talent. The Arkansas head coach has had a player drafted in Round 1 of the NBA Draft in 17 consecutive seasons. On the other hand, Fland boosted his draft stock with a strong March Madness and could be an early second-round pick. Arkansas also lost center Zvonimir Ivisic, another potential first-round pick, who opted to transfer to Illinois.

The Razorbacks have a pair of excellent incoming freshmen guards in Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas to go along with D.J. Wagner, but the addition of Williams could propel the Razorbacks onto the short list of preseason Final Four contenders.

Why Kentucky Is Suddenly Out Of The Running

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 can’t match what other NIL powerhouses like BYU are offering, they may be forced to pivot, despite the mutual interest.

NBA Still an Option

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 might 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.

Williams hasn’t committed to returning to college, but entering the portal signals that he’s weighing that option seriously. If he comes back, BYU, Kansas, and Arkansas are already 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.