SEATTLE — After a chaotic three-day ordeal, Demond Williams Jr. and Washington reconciled Thursday evening, keeping the sophomore quarterback on Montlake for the 2026 season.
“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 in a statement posted on his social media accounts. “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. I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building.
“Additionally, I apologize that the timing of these events coincided with the celebration of life for Mia Hamant, a beloved member of our University community. I never intended to call attention away from such an important moment.”
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“Over the last few days, Demond and I have engaged in very honest and heartfelt conversations about his present and future,” UW coach Jedd Fisch said in a statement Thursday. “We both agree that the University of Washington is the best place for him to continue his academic, athletic and social development. 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 initiated the events late Tuesday evening, when he announced on social media that he intended to enter the transfer portal despite signing a one-year, $4 million name, image and likeness (NIL) license agreement to return to the Huskies on Jan. 2.
His announcement ignited discussions about the modern state of college football and questions about the strength of NIL license agreements after Washington made it clear it intended to pursue “all legal avenues” to enforce the contract.
