Demond Williams Jr. is set to remain at Washington, bringing a dramatic end to one of the most closely watched transfer-portal sagas of the offseason. After briefly signaling his intent to explore transfer options, the sophomore quarterback has reversed course and will return to lead the Huskies following renewed commitment from head coach Jedd Fisch and the athletic department.
Williams’ decision comes after intense discussions that stretched over several days and included legal considerations tied to a recently signed NIL agreement. The quarterback had entered the transfer portal shortly after finalizing a reported $5 million NIL deal, a move that prompted Washington officials to push back forcefully, signaling their intent to enforce the contract terms. Within 48 hours, cooler heads prevailed, and both sides worked toward a resolution.
According to statements released by the program, Fisch personally re-engaged with Williams to reaffirm his role as the centerpiece of Washington’s offense moving forward. The renewed agreement makes Williams the highest-paid player in program history, underscoring how central he is to the Huskies’ long-term vision as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Williams’ attorney, Darren Heitner, confirmed that the quarterback would remain at Washington, bringing stability back to a quarterback room that had briefly been thrown into uncertainty. Athletic director Pat Chun also released a statement emphasizing the evolving nature of college athletics and the importance of honoring commitments in the NIL era.
On the field, Williams has already established himself as one of the Pac-12’s most productive young quarterbacks. Since arriving in Seattle in 2024, he has appeared in 26 games, taking over full-time starting duties during the 2025 season. Across two years, Williams has thrown for 4,009 yards, added 893 rushing yards, and accounted for 33 total touchdowns, while completing 71.5 percent of his passes.
His dual-threat ability, poise under pressure, and command of the offense made him a foundational piece for Fisch as the Huskies transitioned into a new era. Retaining Williams not only stabilizes Washington’s roster but also sends a strong message nationally about the program’s commitment to retaining elite talent.
With the transfer drama behind him, Williams now turns his focus back to football, offseason development, and leading Washington into spring ball. For the Huskies, keeping their franchise quarterback was a must-win moment — and one they believe could define the trajectory of the program under Jedd Fisch.
