Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. announced Thursday night on social media that he will return to the Huskies for the 2026 season rather than enter the transfer portal.
Williams’ decision avoids a potentially messy dispute with the school. Washington is preparing to take legal action to enforce Williams’ lucrative name, image and likeness contract, according to multiple reports.
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Williams announced Tuesday that he will leave the Huskies after his sophomore season, saying, “I have to do what’s best for me and my future.”
Two days later, Williams changed his mind.
“After careful consideration with my family, I am pleased to announce that I will continue my football journey at the University of Washington,” Williams said in a social media post. “I am extremely grateful to my coaches, teammates and everyone in the program for creating an environment where I can flourish as an athlete and as a person. I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building.”
Williams’ NIL contract is worth more than $4 million, according to ESPN, and his potential departure raises questions about the validity of such contracts.
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In a statement released by the Washington athletic department on Thursday, coach Jedd Fish said he and Williams had “an honest and genuine conversation about his present and future” over the past few days.
“We all agree that Washington University is the best place for him to continue his academic, athletic and social development,” Fish said. “I appreciate Demond’s statement. I support him and we will work together to begin the process of repairing relationships and regaining the trust of the Husky community.”
In the same statement, athletic director Pat Chun noted that this process highlights the complexities of college athletics in 2026.
“What happened was difficult for all parties involved and is emblematic of many of the current issues in college sports,” Chun said. “It is critical … that contracts with student-athletes are not only enforced but respected by everyone in the college athletics ecosystem.”
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In 2025, his first full season as a starter, Williams completed 69.5% of his passes for 3,065 yards, 25 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He also ran for 611 yards and six touchdowns.
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