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Demond Williams Jr. connects for 78-yard TD pass (0:42)
Demond Williams Jr. throws 78-yard touchdown pass to Denzel Boston (0:42)
ESPN
Jan 6, 2026, 10:07 PM ET
Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. said on social media Tuesday night 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.
Williams had signed a contract to return to the Huskies last week, with sources indicating to ESPN's Pete Thamel the deal was in the mid-$4 million range and near the top of the market.
LSU is the presumptive favorite if Williams leaves Washington, but other schools are expected to be involved, according to Thamel.
Sources told Thamel that Washington is prepared to pursue all legal avenues to enforce Williams' signed contract. According to details of Williams' contract, Washington is not obligated to enter Williams into the transfer 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.
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 passed for 214 yards and threw four scoring passes in a bowl game for the second straight postseason.
