Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr reverses transfer decision

Demond Williams Jr., a university soccer participant who courted controversy by coming into the switch portal simply days after signing a profitable title, picture and likeness cope with Washington, introduced late Thursday that he’ll stay with the Huskies. The abrupt reversal comes amid stories that the college was weighing its authorized choices to implement the contract.

Williams, 19, signed an NIL deal on Jan. 2 to stay Washington’s quarterback by the 2026 season, a contract reportedly value about $4 million. Days later – on the identical day because the memorial service for Washington ladies’s soccer star Mia Hamant, who died in November after an extended battle with kidney most cancers – Williams introduced his intention to enter the switch portal.

Demon Williams Jr. of the Washington Huskies arrives earlier than the sport in opposition to the Oregon Geese at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Blake Dahlin/ISI Pictures/ISI Pictures)

The choice and timing of Williams’ announcement have been met with each shock and backlash.

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The fallout from that announcement led Williams’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, to drop the quarterback, citing “philosophical variations.” Williams subsequently retained Florida-based legal professional Darren Heitner amid stories that the college was exploring authorized motion to implement the contract.

However in a stunning flip of occasions, Williams launched a press release Thursday confirming he would stay with Washington.

“After cautious reflection with my household, I’m excited to announce that I’ll proceed my soccer journey on the College of Washington. I’m deeply grateful to my coaches, teammates and everybody in this system for creating an atmosphere through which I can thrive, each as an athlete and as a person,” his assertion on social media learn.

“I’m absolutely dedicated and targeted on contributing to what we’re constructing.”

Demon Williams Jr. of the Washington Huskies celebrates a landing in opposition to the Oregon Geese through the second half at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Pictures)

AGENT DUMPS WASHINGTON QUARTERBACK TRYING TO BREAK $4M CONTRACT DAYS AFTER SIGNING

Williams additionally apologized that his preliminary announcement “coincided with a celebration of life for Mia Hamant, a beloved member of our college neighborhood. It was by no means my intention to distract from such an vital second.”

In his assertion, head coach Jedd Fisch acknowledged the strain attributable to the scenario and stated this system would work with Williams to restore relationships and rebuild belief inside the Husky neighborhood.

“Over the previous few days, Demond and I’ve had very sincere and frank conversations about his current and future. We each agree that the College of Washington is one of the best place for him to proceed his tutorial, athletic and social growth,” he stated in a press release from the college.

Demon Williams Jr. of the Washington Huskies passes in opposition to the Oregon Geese through the first half at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Pictures)

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“I respect Demond’s assertion. I assist him, and we are going to work collectively to start the method of rebuilding relationships and regaining the belief of the Husky neighborhood.”

Williams is a dual-threat quarterback who threw for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions whereas additionally speeding for 611 yards and 6 scores throughout his second season in Washington.

Fox Information Digital’s Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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