Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. said on social media that he is entering the transfer portal, a move that comes just days after he agreed to return to the Huskies for the 2026 season.
“I have to do what is best for me and my future,” Williams wrote in Tuesday night’s post.
Williams had signed a contract to return to the Huskies last week, with sources indicating to ESPN’s Pete Thamel that the deal was in the mid-$4 million range and near the top of the market.
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LSU is the presumptive favorite to land Williams if he leaves Washington, but other schools are expected to be involved as well, according to Thamel.
Sources told Thamel that Washington is prepared to pursue all legal avenues to enforce Williams’ contract. According to details of the contract, Washington is not obligated to enter Williams into the portal or “otherwise assist or facilitate the Student-Athlete’s transfer to another college or university.”
The situation has drawn the attention of the Big Ten, sources told Thamel. The conference was vocal in Xavier Lucas’ controversial transfer from Wisconsin to Miami last year, supporting the Badgers in trying to enforce the defensive back’s contract with the team.
Washington brought in Missouri transfer quarterback Beau Pribula for an official visit on Wednesday and is evaluating several options among available transfer QBs in preparation for Williams’ potential departure, sources told ESPN’s Max Olson.
Williams, a sophomore, completed 69.5% of his passes for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. He also rushed for 611 yards and six touchdowns while earning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.
In a win over Boise State in the Bucked Up LA Bowl, Williams threw for 214 yards and had four scoring passes in a bowl game for the second straight postseason.
