QB Demond Williams splits with agent after entering transfer portal from Washington

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QB Demond Williams splits with agent after entering transfer portal from Washington

Demond Williams flirted with portal, dropped by agent, will stay at Washington after all

Austin Curtright, Ehsan Kassim and John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NETWORK · USA TODAY Sports

Wed, Jan 7, 2026 ·

3 min read

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Editor's Note: This story has been updated with new information

Another Power Four program is losing its starting quarterback , and it's reportedly pursuing legal avenues in the aftermath.

Demond Williams announced Jan. 6 he's entering the transfer portal despite re-signing with the school on Jan. 2, according to ESPN. With numerous high-level quarterbacks already committed, the Huskies are likely to search for a replacement despite being late to the punch.

"I have to do what is best for me and my future," he wrote.

Brendan Sorsby: Cincinnati to Texas Tech. Considered the top QB in the portal by many, the native Texas will head back to the Lone Star State to lead the Red Raiders hopes of getting back to the CFP.
(Ron Jenkins, Getty Images)

Josh Hoover: TCU to Indiana. He originally committed to IU out of high school but went to TCU instead. He'll be the replacement for Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
(Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

Byrum Brown: South Florida to Auburn. He put up big numbers over three seasons with the Bulls and will follow coach Alex Golesh to the SEC.
(Stew Milne, Getty Images)

Drew Mestemaker: North Texas to Oklahoma State. He went from high school backup to the nation's leading passer, Mestemaker will follow coach Eric Morris to Stillwater.
(Kevin M. Cox, Getty Images)

Rocco Becht: Iowa State to Penn State. Another quarterback following his coach to a new job, Becht will team up with Matt Campbell in State College.
(David Purdy, Getty Images)

Austin Simmons: Ole Miss to Missouri. He got injured in second game this season, opening the door for Trinidad Chambliss to become the starter.
(Jason Clark, Getty Images)

Kenny Minchey: Notre Dame to Kentucky. A day after committing to Nebraska, Minchey changed his mind and picked Will Stein's Wildcats.
(MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE)

Colton Joseph: Old Dominion to Wisconsin. The Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year produced 34 total touchdowns this past season and gives the Badgers a much-needed boost under center.
(Brian Bishop-Imagn Images)

Ethan Grunkemeyer: Penn State to Virginia Tech. He filled in after Drew Allar's season-ending injury and will follow James Franklin to Blacksburg.
(Scott Taetsch, Getty Images)

Aaron Philo: Georgia Tech to Florida. After serving as Haynes King's backup, Philo will look to earn the starting job for Jon Sumrall's Gators.
(Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

Cutter Boley: Kentucky to Arizona State. Sam Leavitt's departure leaves a big void under center for Kenny Dillingham's Sun Devils. Boley hopes to fill it.
(Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images)

Katin Houser: East Carolina to Illinois. Houser will get a chance to fill the shoes of graduated Illini QB Luke Altmyer.
(James Guillory-Imagn Images)

Alonza Barnett III: James Madison to UCF. After leading the Dukes into the College Football Playoff, Barnett gets his shot in the Big 12.
(Tom Hauck, Getty Images)

Jaden Craig: Harvard to TCU. The Ivy League star will be looked upon to fill the void left by Josh Hoover's transfer to Indiana.
(Getty Images)

Lincoln Kienholz: Ohio State to Louisville. After backing up Julian Sayin in Columbus, Kienholz heads to QB guru Jeff Brohm in Louisville.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)

On Thursday, Jan. 8, Williams' agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Football, announced on social media that he cut ties with the quarterback and will no longer represent him.

"I have made the decision to end my representation of Demond Williams Jr. effective immediately due to philosophical differences," Hendrickson wrote in a statement. "Demond is an incredible talent and we wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors."

The first-year full-time starter was one of the best 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. He's entering the transfer portal with a do-not-contact tag, according to ESPN.

A do-not-contact tag means teams can't reach out to Williams first and can only communicate if the player initiates the conversation.

Williams spent a week at Arizona in early 2024 before following Washington coach Jedd Fisch to Seattle as a transfer. Williams was also initially committed to now-LSU coach Lane Kiffin at Mississippi before flipping to Arizona. He was the No. 12-ranked quarterback out of high school and will be one of the best available quarterbacks in the transfer portal two seasons later.

Demond Williams contract

Williams agreed to a new deal with Washington on Jan. 2 to return to the school next season, according to ESPN. However, four days after the transfer portal opened, Williams announced his decision to enter the transfer portal.

According to Yahoo! Sports, Williams signed a one-year rev-share agreement with the Huskies worth $4 million. The agreement "prohibits a player from entering the portal once signed" and "prohibits the player's NIL rights to be used by any other school, though the player can sign outside marketing agreements."

Washington is reportedly pursuing legal avenues to enforce his signed contract, according to ESPN, while also not formally entering his name into the portal. It's an interesting turn of events, and a likely disappointing one for Washington. In addition, the Big Ten is reportedly taking interest in Williams' transfer, after a similar situation occurred last season between Wisconsin and Miami.

Demond Williams stats

2024 (Washington):82-of-105 passing (78.1%) for 944 yards with eight touchdowns to an interception; 83 carries for 282 yards with two touchdowns
2025 (Washington):246-of-354 passing (69.5%) for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns to eight interceptions; 143 carries for 611 yards with six touchdowns

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Demond Williams enters transfer portal days after re-signing with Washington

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QB Demond Williams splits with agent after entering transfer portal from Washington

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

See which top QBs are on the move in busy college football transfer portal

Demond Williams contract

Demond Williams stats