The Washington Huskies football program was hit with a bombshell on Tuesday night when star sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. This decision came as a massive surprise to the coaching staff and fans alike, especially since Williams had just signed a lucrative new contract to remain with the team on January 2, 2026. The dual threat signal caller was widely considered the face of the program under head coach Jedd Fisch and was the cornerstone of the Huskies plans for a breakout 2026 season in the Big Ten.

Washington Plans Legal Action to Enforce Contract

In an unprecedented move for college athletics, the University of Washington has signaled that they have no intention of releasing Williams from his recently signed agreement. Sources indicate that the university is prepared to pursue all legal avenues to enforce the contract, which officials describe as a legally binding revenue share agreement. This situation has already drawn the attention of the Big Ten conference, as it represents one of the first major tests of whether these new age player contracts can actually prevent a student athlete from leaving for another program mid term.

Tampering Suspicions and the LSU Connection

Washington officials reportedly suspect that another school may have illegally contacted Williams after he had already signed his new deal with the Huskies. Rumors have quickly linked Williams to LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin, with reports suggesting a potential offer that significantly exceeds his current compensation at Washington. The Huskies plan to submit evidence of tampering to the NCAA and the Big Ten, claiming that the "do not contact" tag on Williams portal entry suggests a destination was already determined before he officially announced his departure from Seattle.

A Major Blow to the Huskies 2026 Roster

Losing Williams would be a devastating blow for a Washington offense that was specifically built around his unique ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Last season, Williams threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 611 yards on the ground, earning him All Big Ten honors. If the Huskies cannot force him to stay, the quarterback room will be left with very little experience, forcing the coaching staff to look for a last minute replacement in an increasingly thin transfer market. The outcome of this legal dispute will likely set a major precedent for the future of college football contracts.