Demond Williams is staying put at Washington.
The Huskies’ quarterback, who announced earlier in the week of his intention to enter the transfer portal days after re-signing with Washington, announced on Thursday, Jan. 8 that he will be staying in Seattle and will play for Jedd Fisch’s program in 2026.
‘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 on Instagram. ‘… I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building. … I am excited to reunite with my teammates and to lead the University of Washington to success in the 2026 season and beyond.’
The first-year full-time starter was one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Big Ten in 2025, passing for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns to eight interceptions while rushing for 611 yards and six scores. His 3,065 passing yards ranked sixth best among Big Ten quarterbacks, while his 25 touchdown passes were the fourth most in the conference.
Williams’ decision to change course comes several hours after his agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Football, announced on social media that he cut ties with the quarterback and will no longer represent him.
Washington’s Fisch released a statement, per ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, in which Fisch said they would ‘work together to begin the process of repairing relationships and regaining the trust of the Husky community.’
It comes after a tumultuous past 48 hours for Williams and the Huskies, as Washington was reportedly ready to pursue legal avenues to enforce Williams’ newly signed deal with the Huskies. As previously noted by USA TODAY, Williams announced his intention to enter his name into the transfer portal four days after agreeing to a new deal with Washington on Friday, Jan. 2 to return to the school for the 2026 season.
In a statement shared by the university, Fisch mentioned that he had ‘very honest’ and ‘heartfelt’ conversations with Williams over the last few days and supports him. Washington athletic director Patrick Chun also released 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,’ Fisch said.
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