After announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal this week, Washington quarterback Demond Williams appears to be leaning toward a return to the program, On3’s Pete Nakos reported. Williams’ announcement came after he signed a new deal with UW last week.
There has been dialogue between Williams and Washington throughout Thursday. Nothing is yet official or done, though sources told On3 the Huskies have signaled they are open to a return.
The Williams situation has become one of the top stories in college football after he said he intended to leave Washington. On3 confirmed he signed a new deal late last week, which would make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in college football.
Washington also planned to enforce the contract, and the school did not intend to enter his name in the portal because of the signed agreement. After Williams’ announcement, On3 reported LSU would be one of the schools to watch in his recruitment if he entered the portal.
Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger added Washington has been in contact with the Big Ten about the situation. The conference drafts rev-share contracts for its league members, and UW described Williams’ deal as a binding agreement with the school. Dellenger also reported Washington suspects another school contacted Williams before his announcement.
In the time since Williams’ announcement, things continued to shift. Notably, Thursday afternoon, agent Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Sports announced he would no longer represent Williams. Hendrickson also reps Washington coach Jedd Fisch. In the meantime, Williams retained attorney Darren Heitner.
Williams put together a standout sophomore season at Washington after taking over as starting quarterback, throwing for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 611 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel also addressed the latest twist about Williams’ future on College GameDay Thursday night. He said a decision could come down soon.
“I’ve been told by sources within the last 15 minutes that Washington quarterback Demond Williams is leaning toward returning to the Huskies. … I’ve been told that Demond Williams spent most of today discussing his options,” Thamel said. “If he was to leave and transfer, he was going to face legal action from Washington.
“So, sources there have made it clear to me they were going to enforce the $4.5 million contract he had just signed four days before he announced he was going to go into the portal. So, again, it’s not done but the lean is to go back. I’ve been told a decision is imminent but not final.”