By Sam Jane, Chris Vannini, Bruce Feldman and Ralph D. Russo
Simply days after Demond Williams Jr. signed a contract with Washington to return to Seattle for his junior season, the quarterback reversed course and introduced Tuesday night time he would enter the switch portal.
The surprising resolution sends ripples via the Washington program and the school soccer switch portal. Williams had signed a contract agreeing to return to the Huskies, a Washington supply near the negotiations instructed The Athletic on Tuesday night time. But, Williams stated on Instagram that transferring was “finest for me and my future.”
Washington has no intention of releasing Williams from the contract he signed on Jan. 2, a program supply instructed The Athletic. The dispute may result in a messy debate over the circumstances surrounding Williams’ standing.
Williams, nonetheless, had not filed any paperwork with Washington compliance officers to have his identify entered into the portal earlier than making his announcement on social media.
As of now, nothing has been submitted.
Washington is ready to pursue authorized motion to implement the phrases of the contract, in line with an individual briefed on the state of affairs.
There have been a number of current examples of colleges taking subject with participant transfers. After cornerback Xavier Lucas transferred from Wisconsin to Miami, Wisconsin stated Lucas had entered right into a “binding two-year NIL settlement” that included “substantial monetary compensation” and allegedly tried to stop him from transferring. Georgia’s athletic division can also be searching for $390,000 from former defensive finish Damon Wilson II, claiming his switch to Missouri terminated his identify, picture and likeness settlement with the Bulldogs’ collective.
Williams and Washington head coach Jedd Fisch share the identical agent at Wasserman soccer.
Williams adopted Fisch to Seattle two years in the past after committing to Arizona out of highschool. Nevertheless, earlier than signing with Fisch at Arizona, Williams initially dedicated to Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin in late 2022. He de-committed the next summer season. Williams began the 2025 season, with Fisch not holding again the hype for his quarterback getting into the season.
“I might most likely say, at this age, not even 19, he’s one of the best participant I’ve ever been round,” Fisch stated on the Till Saturday podcast final spring. “… My purpose from after I began recruiting him in highschool, and I instructed him this, we’re going to companion up and discover a approach to be in New York Metropolis when it’s time for the Heisman.”
Williams threw for 4,009 yards and 33 touchdowns towards 9 interceptions whereas including 893 speeding yards and eight speeding touchdowns in 26 profession video games at Washington. In his first season because the starter, he handed for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns, incomes All–Large Ten honorable point out honors.
After a four-touchdown efficiency in Washington’s blowout win over Boise State within the Bucked Up LA Bowl, Williams appeared poised to be one of many high quarterbacks within the Large Ten this yr.
“He does have unimaginable potential,” Fisch stated. “He’s not loud, however I might say he’s vocal. He speaks softly and carries an enormous stick. He’s not going to yell or scream and do all these issues that you just essentially would want him to do, however he leads by instance. He works his tail off. He by no means misses something. He’s consistently concerned with the group. He is aware of when to take the fitting reps. He is aware of when to leap in, leap out. So all that being equal, I feel his management expertise are definitely ok.”
Now Williams says he’s shifting on. Williams is getting into the portal with a do-not-contact tag, in line with ESPN, that means Williams possible already has a touchdown spot in thoughts. Notable colleges which might be presently or could possibly be within the quarterback market embody LSU, Miami and probably Oregon. He immediately turns into one of many high gamers obtainable within the switch market.
Washington, which performed within the 2023 nationwide championship sport below Kalen DeBoer, is 15-11 below Fisch within the final two years, together with 9-4 this previous season. This is able to be a serious loss for this system.
