Washington Retains QB Despite His Plans to Enter Transfer Portal

Demond Williams Jr., a standout quarterback for Washington, has made headlines with his surprising decision to enter the transfer portal. This announcement comes just days after he signed a contract to return to the Huskies for his junior season.

Williams’ Contract and Transfer Portal Decision

Williams announced his decision via Instagram, stating that transferring was the best choice for his future. Despite his announcement, Washington has firm intentions to uphold his signed contract, which was finalized on January 2. A program source confirmed that no paperwork has yet been filed to formally enter the transfer portal.

The situation may escalate, as Washington is prepared to explore legal options to enforce the terms of the contract. Players’ movements through the transfer portal have recently sparked disputes between athletes and their schools. In similar circumstances, Wisconsin disputed cornerback Xavier Lucas’ transfer to Miami over a binding NIL agreement, and Georgia has sought financial compensation from defensive end Damon Wilson II after his move to Missouri.

Williams’ Background and Performance at Washington

Williams has a notable history as a player. Following his commitment to Arizona out of high school, he later de-committed from Ole Miss before transferring to Washington two years ago, where he reunited with head coach Jedd Fisch. During his tenure, Williams made a significant impact on the field.

• Career Stats:
• 4,009 passing yards
• 33 touchdown passes
• 9 interceptions
• 893 rushing yards
• 8 rushing touchdowns

In the 2025 season, Williams achieved All-Big Ten honorable mention honors. He threw for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns during his first season as a starter, showcasing his immense talent. His leadership and work ethic have drawn praise from Fisch, who believes in Williams’ potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten.

Future Prospects for Williams

With his entry into the transfer portal, Williams now holds a do-not-contact tag, indicating that he may already have a prospective school in mind. Institutions like LSU, Miami, and potentially Oregon are seen as potential landing spots for the quarterback.

This decision is a considerable loss for Washington, especially after the team’s recent performance, where they reached the national championship game under coach Kalen DeBoer. In the last two seasons, Washington has a record of 15-11, including a 9-4 finish this past year.

As Williams prepares to navigate the transfer market, he emerges as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks post-season.