Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr reverses transfer decision
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Demond Williams Jr., the college football player who sparked controversy by entering the transfer portal just days after signing a lucrative name, image and likeness deal with Washington, announced late Thursday that he will remain with the Huskies. The sudden reversal comes amid reports that the university is considering its legal options to enforce the agreement.
Williams, 19, signed a deal with the NIL on Jan. 2 to remain Washington’s starting quarterback through the 2026 season. The value of the contract is reportedly around $4 million. Days later — the same day as a memorial service for Washington women’s soccer player Mia Hamant, who died in November after a long battle with kidney cancer — Williams announced her intention to enter the transfer portal.
Demond Williams Jr. of the Washington Huskies arrives for the game against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Blake Dahlin/ISI Photos/ISI Photos)
The decision and the timing of Williams’ announcement were met with both shock and outrage.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
The fallout from this announcement led Williams’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, to let the point guard go, citing “philosophical differences.” Williams then hired Florida-based attorney Darren Heitner amid reports that the university was taking legal action to enforce the contract.
But in a shocking reversal, Williams released a statement on Thursday confirming he would remain in Washington.
“After thoughtful consideration with my family, I am excited to announce that I will continue my football journey at the University of Washington. I am deeply grateful to my coaches, teammates, and everyone in the program for fostering an environment in which I can thrive both as an athlete and as an individual,” he said in a statement posted on social media.
“I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building.”
Demond Williams Jr. of the Washington Huskies celebrates a goal in the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington on November 29, 2025. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
AGENT LEAVES WASHINGTON QUARTERBACK, WHICH TRIED TO VIOLATE $4 MILLION CONTRACT DAYS AFTER IT WAS SIGNED
Williams also apologized that his initial announcement “coincided with a celebration of the life of Mia Hamant, a beloved member of our university community. I never intended to distract from such an important moment.”
In a statement, head coach Jedd Fisch acknowledged the tension caused by the situation and said the program would work with Williams to repair relationships and rebuild trust within the Husky community.
“Over the past few days, Demond and I have had very honest and frank 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,” the university said in a statement.
Demond Williams Jr. of the Washington Huskies throws a pass during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington on November 29, 2025. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“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 is a dual-threat quarterback who threw for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his second season in Washington, while also rushing for 611 yards and six scores.
Fox News Digital’s Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
