Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr reverses switch choice

[ad_1] NEW Now you can hearken to Fox Information articles!

Demond Williams Jr., a college football participant who ignited controversy by getting into the switch portal simply days after signing a profitable identify, picture and likeness take care of Washington, introduced late Thursday that he'll stay with the Huskies. The abrupt reversal comes amid reviews that the college was weighing its authorized choices to implement the contract.

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

Demond Williams Jr. of the Washington Huskies arrives for the sport in opposition to the Oregon Geese at Husky Stadium on Nov. 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Blake Dahlin/ISI Images/ISI Images)

The choice, and the timing of Williams’ announcement, was met with each shock and backlash.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The fallout of that announcement led Williams’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, to drop the quarterback, citing "philosophical variations." Williams then retained Florida-based lawyer Darren Heitner amid reviews that the college was exploring authorized motion to implement the contract.

However in a surprising reversal, Williams launched an announcement Thursday confirming that he can be staying with Washington.

"After considerate 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 fostering an setting the place I can thrive each as an athlete and as a person," his assertion posted to social media learn.

"I'm absolutely dedicated and centered on contributing to what we're constructing."

Demond Williams Jr. of the Washington Huskies celebrates a landing in opposition to the Oregon Geese in the course of the second half at Husky Stadium on Nov. 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 the celebration of life for Mia Hamant, a beloved member of our College neighborhood. I by no means meant to name consideration away from such an essential second."

In his assertion, head coach Jedd Fisch acknowledged the pressure brought on by the state of affairs 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 engaged in very sincere and heartfelt conversations about his current and future. We each agree that the College of Washington is the very best place for him to proceed his tutorial, athletic, and social improvement," he stated in an announcement offered by the college.

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

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"I admire Demond's assertion. I help him, and we are going to work collectively to start the method of repairing 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 dashing for 611 yards and 6 scores throughout his sophomore season at Washington.