Just when it seemed like the Washington Huskies had locked in their quarterback of the future, the college football world was rocked by a stunning reversal from Demond Williams Jr. In a move that’s sent shockwaves across the Big Ten and beyond, the star sophomore announced Tuesday night that he’s entering the transfer portal—barely a week after signing a lucrative deal to return to Washington for the 2026 season.
Williams, who had been widely touted as the cornerstone of the Huskies’ offense and a potential Heisman candidate, took to social media to break the news. In his heartfelt statement, he thanked the Washington program, coaching staff, his teammates, and the Seattle community, before dropping the bombshell: "I have to do what is best for me and my future. After much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal."
The twist? Williams’ new contract was reportedly near the top of the quarterback market, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, and was expected to cement his role as the Huskies’ leader for the upcoming campaign. Now, Washington is preparing for a legal showdown, determined to enforce the terms of Williams’ signed agreement. According to multiple sources, the university has already reached out to Big Ten officials, and the conference has taken a keen interest—especially in light of previous high-profile transfer disputes, such as Wisconsin’s battle to retain Xavier Lucas last year.
"Washington plans to pursue legal avenues and has been in contact with officials from Big Ten, who draft rev-share contracts for its league members," reported Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger. The Huskies’ intent is clear: they’re not letting their star quarterback walk away without a fight, at least not without testing the enforceability of athlete-school contracts in the new NIL era.
For Williams, the decision caps a whirlwind two years. After following head coach Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Seattle, Williams quickly rose through the ranks. He didn’t start most of his true freshman season, but by the 2025 regular-season finale, he’d grabbed the reins. His breakout came in the Sun Bowl against Louisville, where he threw for 374 yards and four touchdowns, nearly leading a comeback in a narrow defeat. Fisch, never shy with praise, called him a future Heisman contender, saying last spring, “I would probably say, at this age, not even 19, he’s the best player I’ve ever been around.”
Williams delivered on that promise in 2025. As a sophomore, he started all 13 games, completing 69.5% of his passes for 3,065 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. He was just as dangerous on the ground, rushing for 611 yards and six scores—the third most productive rushing season by a Washington quarterback in program history. His efforts earned him All–Big Ten honorable mention honors, and he was named Offensive MVP in the Huskies’ 38-10 LA Bowl victory over Boise State, where he tossed four touchdowns and passed for 214 yards.
Over his 26-game career at Washington, Williams completed 71.5% of his throws for 4,009 yards, 33 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, adding 893 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Not bad for a player who was considered a four-star recruit and the No. 19 quarterback in the 2024 signing class by 247Sports.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Williams faced adversity, too—he was held to a season-low 129 passing yards in a loss to Oregon and threw a career-high three interceptions against Michigan. The Huskies’ four losses in 2025—against Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, and an upset by Wisconsin—coincided with Williams’ least productive outings. Still, he averaged a robust 268.9 passing yards per game in wins, showing just how crucial he was to Washington’s success.
So why the sudden change of heart? That remains a mystery. ESPN reported that Williams’ deal was one of the most lucrative for a college quarterback, while CBS Sports and others have speculated that new opportunities—perhaps with LSU or Miami—may have swayed his decision. Williams is entering the portal with a do-not-contact tag, a designation typically used by athletes who already have a destination in mind. Sources at CBS Sports suggest LSU, led by Lane Kiffin, is expected to make a push for Williams, especially after other quarterback targets slipped away or faced eligibility hurdles. Miami and Oregon are also rumored to be in the mix.
As for the Huskies, Williams’ departure leaves them in a precarious spot. The offense was built around his dual-threat abilities, and the quarterback room is suddenly thin on experience. The only other QB to attempt a pass last season was Tulane transfer Kai Horton, who completed just four of seven attempts for 13 yards and has now exhausted his eligibility. Freshmen Treston “Kini” McMillan and Dash Beierly made brief cameos in the LA Bowl, while incoming four-star recruit Derek Zammit just enrolled. With top transfer quarterbacks committing elsewhere, Washington may need to act fast to secure a new leader under center.
The legal implications are just as murky. In the new world of NIL and revenue-sharing, the enforceability of athlete contracts is still being tested. Washington’s willingness to pursue “all legal avenues” could set a precedent for future disputes, especially as more high-profile athletes weigh their options in the transfer portal. The Big Ten’s involvement only raises the stakes—last year, the conference supported Wisconsin’s efforts to enforce a binding NIL agreement when Xavier Lucas transferred to Miami, but the ultimate outcome remains unclear.
Williams’ relationship with coach Fisch adds another layer of intrigue. The two share the same agent and a long history, stretching back to Williams’ initial commitment to Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin, before flipping to Arizona and eventually following Fisch to Seattle. Fisch’s confidence in Williams was unwavering: “He’s not loud, but I would say he is vocal. He speaks softly and carries a big stick. He’s not going to yell or scream and do all those things that you necessarily would need him to do, but he leads by example. He works his tail off. He never misses anything. He’s constantly involved with the team. He knows when to take the right reps. He knows when to jump in, jump out. So all that being equal, I think his leadership skills are certainly good enough.”
Now, the Huskies must regroup. The 2025 season ended on a high note with a bowl victory and a 9-4 record, but Williams’ sudden exit throws their 2026 plans into chaos. The legal wrangling over his contract could have ramifications far beyond Seattle, potentially shaping how schools and athletes navigate the ever-changing landscape of college football transfers and NIL agreements.
As the saga unfolds, one thing is certain: Demond Williams Jr. has instantly become one of the most coveted quarterbacks on the transfer market. Where he lands next—and whether Washington can enforce its contract—will be closely watched by programs, players, and fans alike. The next chapter in this high-stakes drama is just getting started.
