QB Demond Williams Jr. staying at Washington after portal stir

Demond Williams Jr. changed his mind, again.

The quarterback announced Thursday that he will no longer enter the transfer portal and will remain at Washington instead.

The reversal concluded a busy period for Williams, who signed an NIL contract reportedly worth around $4 million last week to stay at Washington.

He then told his social media followers on Tuesday that he planned to enter the portal, with reports linking him to a move to LSU.

Washington appeared to threaten legal action when a deputy athletic director told the Seattle Times on Wednesday that the university would "pursue all legal avenues to protect our institution" in response to an inquiry about Williams.

Earlier Thursday, his former agent Doug Hendrickson announced he was parting ways with his client "due to philosophical differences." Later, Williams revealed his change of plans.

"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 social media Thursday. "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."

Williams started all 13 games as a sophomore as the Huskies went 9-4, including a 38-10 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl on Dec. 13. He was 15 of 24 for 215 yards and four touchdowns in the game.

For the season, Williams completed 246 of 354 passes (69.5%) for 3,065 yards, 25 TDs and eight interceptions. He also ran for 611 yards, which was second on the team, and six TDs.

For his Washington career, Williams completed 71.5% of his passes for 4,009 yards, 33 TDs and nine interceptions in 26 games (2024-25). He also rushed for 893 yards and eight touchdowns.

--Field Level Media