After days of drama — and possible legal action — Demond Williams Jr. will be returning to Washington.
Despite declaring for the transfer portal Tuesday in a move that sent shock waves around college football, Williams now intends to return to the Huskies for next season, the quarterback posted on social media Thursday.
“After thoughtful reflection with my family, I am excited to announce that I will continue my football journey at the University of Washington,” Williams wrote on Instagram. “I am deeply grateful to my coaches, teammates, and everyone in the program for fostering an environment where I can thrive both as an athlete and as an individual.
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. of the Washington Huskies points up at the fans after throwing a scoring pass during the first half of the LA Bowl Game against the Boise State Broncos at Sofi Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Inglewood, California. Getty Images“I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building,” he added.
Washington head coach Jedd Fisch also commented on Williams’ decision, saying that he still supports him despite the drama.
“Over the last few days, Demond and I have engaged in very honest and heartfelt conversations about his present and future. We both agree that the University of Washington is the best place for him to continue his academic, athletic, and social development,” Fisch said in a statement. “I appreciate Demond’s statement, I support him, and we will work together to begin the process of repairing relationships and regaining the trust of the Husky community.”
Williams’ decision comes just days after the 19-year-old announced that he intended to transfer despite signing a contract with Washington prior. IIt was later reported that he could run into legal trouble if he were to leave for another program.
In the initial post, Williams thanked his teammates, coaches and the Washington fans, but said that he had to do what would be best for his career going forward.
“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.”
Nevertheless, Washington plans to enforce the contract that Williams had previously signed, and was prepared to pursue legal action by any means possible to do so, ESPN reported.
Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) in the first half of the LA Bowl against the Boise State Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesThe deal that Williams signed for the 2026 season is reportedly “in the mid-$4 million range,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Thursday.
The Athletic reported that Williams also failed to file the necessary paperwork with the Huskies regarding his plans to transfer ahead of his social media post.
Following Williams’ initial decision to transfer, his agent, Doug Hendrickson, dropped the quarterback, citing “philosophical differences” between the two of them.
“I have made the decision to end my representation of Demond Williams Jr. effective immediately due to philosophical differences,” Hendrickson posted to social media Thursday. “Demond is an incredible talent and we wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.”
Williams’ transfer drama comes after the sophomore had an impressive campaign for the Huskies, throwing for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing his passes at a 69.3 percent clip.
