Washington’s quarterback reportedly signed a new contract with the Huskies a week ago. Now he says he’s heading to the transfer….

Washington’s quarterback reportedly signed a new contract with the Huskies a week ago. Now he says he’s heading to the transfer portal. Buckle up. This one may get wild.

Chaos in Montlake: Demond Williams Jr.’s Shocking Transfer Portal Entry
In a stunning reversal that has sent shockwaves through college football, University of Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. announced on January 6, 2026, that he is entering the NCAA transfer portal—just days after signing a lucrative new contract to return to the Huskies for the 2026 season.

The sophomore dual-threat star, who led Washington to a 9-4 record in 2025 and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention, posted a heartfelt statement on social media thanking the program, coaches, teammates, and fans. “I have to do what is best for me and my future,” he wrote. “After much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal.” Reports indicate Williams entered with a “do-not-contact” tag, suggesting he may already have a preferred destination.
This decision comes mere days after Williams inked a deal on January 2 that sources described as “near the top of the market” for quarterbacks, potentially making him one of the highest-paid signal-callers in college football through revenue-sharing and NIL agreements. Washington sources have made it clear: the Huskies have “no intention” of releasing him from the binding contract and are prepared to pursue “all legal avenues” to enforce it.
The situation echoes recent high-profile disputes, such as Wisconsin’s attempt to block cornerback Xavier Lucas from transferring to Miami after a two-year NIL deal. In that case, the Big Ten conference supported enforcement efforts, and a lawsuit alleging tampering is ongoing. Here, the Big Ten has reportedly taken interest again, with Washington officials in contact with league representatives who help draft revenue-share contracts.
Speculation is rife about potential tampering. Sources told Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger that Washington suspects another program contacted Williams after he signed the new deal and plans to submit evidence. Rumored landing spots include LSU (where new coach Lane Kiffin needs a QB), Miami, and possibly Oregon—programs with immediate needs and deep pockets in the NIL era.
Williams’ on-field resume makes him one of the portal’s top prizes. Originally a four-star recruit from Basha High School in Arizona (ranked No. 12 QB in the 2024 class), he briefly enrolled at Arizona before following coach Jedd Fisch to Seattle in 2024. As a true freshman, he played in every game, starting the final two. In 2025, his first full season as starter, Williams exploded: 3,065 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions (69.5% completion), plus 611 rushing yards and six scores on the ground. Over his 26 career games at Washington, he amassed 4,009 passing yards, 33 TDs, nine INTs, 893 rushing yards, and eight rushing TDs.

His mobility and accuracy made him a nightmare for Big Ten defenses, culminating in a dominant LA Bowl performance: 215 yards and four TDs in a 38-10 rout of Boise State.
For Washington, the loss is devastating. Coach Fisch, now in his third year, had built the offense around Williams, viewing him as the cornerstone for a Big Ten title push. Depth is thin—backup Kai Horton (a Tulane transfer) attempted just seven passes in 2025. The Huskies, coming off back-to-back solid seasons under Fisch, now face another QB scramble in a portal already brimming with talent.
This saga highlights the Wild West of modern college football. With revenue-sharing kicking in and multi-year NIL deals becoming common, contracts were supposed to provide stability. Yet players retain transfer freedom, creating tension. If Washington sues or blocks the transfer, it could set precedent—but forcing an unhappy player to stay risks toxicity.
As one insider put it: “Buckle up. This one may get wild.” Williams instantly becomes the portal’s marquee QB, alongside names like Sam Leavitt. Wherever he lands, expect fireworks. For Huskies fans, it’s a gut punch—but in this era, pivots happen fast. Fisch has proven adept in the portal before; he’ll need to be again.