With Demond Williams Jr. in limbo, Washington hosts QB Beau Pribula on visit

Less than 24 hours after the Washington coaching staff was stunned to learn that starting quarterback Demond Williams Jr. announced plans to enter the transfer portal, the Huskies hosted Missouri transfer Beau Pribula on a visit, a program source told The Athletic on Wednesday.

Pribula, who began his college career in the Big Ten at Penn State, transferred to Missouri last winter. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound senior started for much of the season, throwing 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions for the Tigers. He passed for 1,941 yards and completed 67 percent of his attempts. Pribula also rushed for 297 yards and six touchdowns. As a backup for Penn State in 2024, he threw five TD passes and one interception and also ran for four more touchdowns and 242 yards as a change-of-pace option to starter Drew Allar.

The Huskies’ quick pivot to find their next QB comes five days after Williams signed a contract with Washington to remain with the program, sources told The Athletic.

In his first season as the starter, Williams passed for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning All–Big Ten honorable mention honors.

Washington has no intention of releasing Williams from the contract he signed on Jan. 2, a program source told The Athletic. The dispute could lead to a messy debate over the circumstances surrounding Williams’ status.

Per NCAA bylaws, once an athlete has given a school written notification of their intent to transfer, the school is obligated to enter that athlete’s name into the transfer portal within two business days. Williams, however, did not file any paperwork with Washington compliance officers to have his name entered into the portal before making his announcement on social media.

Washington is prepared to pursue legal action to enforce the terms of the contract, according to a person briefed on the situation.