JUST NOW: Washington’s QB Demond Williams breaks silence on transfer portal decision

JUST IN: Washington’s QB Demond Williams breaks silence on transfer portal decision

### JUST NOW: Washington’s QB Demond Williams Breaks Silence on Transfer Portal Decision

In a stunning turn of events shaking the college football world, University of Washington Huskies quarterback **Demond Williams Jr.** announced late Tuesday night that he intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, just days after signing a lucrative revenue-sharing contract to return for the 2026 season.

The sophomore star, who emerged as one of the Big Ten’s top dual-threat quarterbacks in 2025, broke his silence via a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking the program while prioritizing his future.

“First, I want to thank everyone in the Washington program for everything they have done for me,” Williams wrote. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Husky Nation. I also want to thank the fans and the Seattle community for the constant love and support during my time at Washington. I truly enjoyed my time over the past two years and am grateful for all the memories and experiences. I have to do what is best for me and my future. After much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal.”

Williams’ decision comes as a shock to the Huskies’ faithful. Reports indicate he signed a one-year revenue-sharing agreement on January 2 worth approximately $4-5 million—one of the highest for a college quarterback—making him a cornerstone of head coach Jedd Fisch’s plans. The contract, based on a Big Ten template, reportedly includes clauses prohibiting portal entry and restricting NIL rights at another school, while stating Washington is not obligated to facilitate a transfer.

In response, Washington has refused to enter Williams’ name into the official transfer portal database, blocking him from communicating with other programs. Sources told ESPN and Yahoo Sports that the university is prepared to pursue all legal avenues to enforce the contract, including potential tampering allegations against another school. This has drawn Big Ten attention, echoing last year’s Wisconsin-Miami dispute over defender Xavier Lucas.

Williams, entering with two years of eligibility and a “do-not-contact” tag (suggesting a preferred destination), instantly became the portal’s top quarterback prize. His 2025 stats were elite: 3,065 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions, a 70% completion rate, plus 611 rushing yards and six scores on the ground. He led Washington to a 9-4 record and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention.

Speculation swirls around potential landing spots, with LSU (coached by Lane Kiffin, who originally recruited Williams out of high school) emerging as a frontrunner, alongside Miami and Oregon. However, the contract dispute could lead to a landmark legal battle, testing the enforceability of player agreements in the NIL/revenue-sharing era.

Criticism has mounted over the timing of Williams’ announcement, which coincided with a memorial service for late Washington soccer player Mia Hamant. Teammates and staff reportedly learned of the news via social media, leaving the program in “collective shock.”

As of Wednesday, Washington is already pivoting, hosting Missouri transfer quarterback Beau Pribula for a visit. This saga highlights college football’s chaotic new reality: massive deals, sudden reversals, and emerging “buyout” clauses that could reshape player movement.

Williams’ statement underscores the personal side amid the turmoil—he insists this is “best for me and my future.” Yet with legal clouds looming, his next chapter remains uncertain. This could set precedents for contracts, tampering, and portal freedom, potentially leading to transfer fees akin to professional soccer.

The transfer portal window closes January 16, but for Williams, the real drama is just beginning.