Demond Williams Jr. will remain at Washington

Sometimes a reverse is the perfect play. That seems to be the call made by quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who after huddling with household and advisers, announced on Instagram Thursday night time he will remain at Washington in 2026.

His resolution to honor an estimated $4.5 million title, image and likeness contract he signed a week in the past marks an about-face from the stunning announcement he made Tuesday that he would enter the switch portal.

“After thoughtful reflection with my family, I am excited to announce that I will continue my football journey at the University of Washington,” he wrote. “I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building.”

His resolution to switch was met with widespread derision from Huskies followers and officers, who made it recognized the college would implement Williams’ contract even if it meant taking him to court. The Big Ten backed Washington’s stance.

Williams’ agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Football, dropped him as a shopper Thursday, citing “philosophical differences.” Williams employed lawyer Darren Heitner, who apparently decided his shopper ought to return to Washington.

“The past 48 hours have underscored just how complex and challenging the current college athletics environment has become,” Washington athletic director Pat Chun said in a assertion. “What has transpired has been difficult for all parties involved and is emblematic of many of the current issues in college sports.

“It is critical in this post-House, revenue-sharing environment that contracts with student-athletes are not only enforced but respected by everyone within the college sports ecosystem.”

Washington, which refused to place Williams in the switch portal, was ready to demand the quarterback pay a large buyout of his NIL contract had he transferred.

Now, though, it appears all is properly. Washington coach Jedd Fisch said in a assertion that he and Williams “will work together to begin the process of repairing relationships and regaining the trust of the Husky community.

“Demond and I have engaged in very honest and heartfelt 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.”

Washington officers suspected another college contacted Williams after he had signed his Huskies deal, and submitted evidence of tampering to the Big Ten. Tony Petitti, the convention commissioner, occurred to be in Seattle on Tuesday for a Celebration of Life service for Washington goalkeeper Mia Hamant, who died on Nov. 6 from a uncommon kind of kidney cancer.

Many Huskies soccer gamers and coaches also had been in attendance when Williams posted his official announcement about coming into the switch portal on Instagram. In his Instagram post Thursday night time, Williams apologized about the poor timing of his initial announcement.

“I never intended to call attention away from such an important moment,” he wrote.

Williams, who will be a junior, is predicted to be one of the top handful of school quarterbacks next season. In his first season as a full-time starter, he threw for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns and earned honorable point out All-Big Ten honors.