The Washington Huskies were stunned and upset when quarterback Demond Williams Jr. announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, especially since the sophomore standout had signed a lucrative name, image and likeness agreement just days earlier to stay in Seattle.
Given recent precedent, potential legal action from Washington would not be surprising. Only weeks ago, a similar situation led to dueling lawsuits involving edge rusher Damon Wilson II, who transferred from Georgia to Missouri in January 2025 shortly after finalizing an NIL deal. As recruiting increasingly revolves around massive NIL offers and constant portal movement, traditional notions of loyalty and decorum have largely been replaced by self-interest and opportunity.
It also comes as little shock that disputes like these may ultimately be settled in court rather than by the NCAA or conference leadership. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Washington is “prepared to pursue all legal avenues to enforce Williams’ signed contract,” and noted that the situation has also “drawn the attention of the Big Ten.” Washington has already refused to submit Williams’ name into the portal, citing contract language that says the school is not required to do so.
Washington appears ready to take a hard stance, similar to Georgia’s approach with Wilson. Wilson’s countersuit alleges he was pressured into signing his NIL deal on Dec. 21, 2024, while Georgia is seeking $390,000 in damages based on a liquidated damages clause that may face legal scrutiny.
Huskies officials believe another program contacted Williams after he signed his NIL agreement and have reportedly submitted evidence of tampering to the Big Ten. Conference commissioner Tony Petitti was coincidentally in Seattle on Tuesday for a Celebration of Life service honoring Washington goalkeeper Mia Hamant, who died Nov. 6 from a rare form of kidney cancer. Many Washington players and coaches attended the service, which coincided with Williams posting his transfer announcement on Instagram.
“To post his decision to enter the portal during the service was, at best, the result of horrible advice from his PR team, and at worst, a stunning lack of self-awareness,” Seattle Times columnist Matt Calkins wrote.
Williams’ NIL deal for the 2026 season was estimated at $4 million, a figure that aligned with his production as one of the nation’s top 15 quarterbacks in passing efficiency, passing yards and yards per attempt. He attempted to enter the portal with a “do not contact” designation, suggesting a destination may already be lined up.
Recent quarterback movement points to possible mutual interest between Williams and LSU, which now has Lane Kiffin as head coach and a need at the position. Kiffin initially targeted Brendan Sorsby, who committed to Texas Tech, while Sam Leavitt of Arizona State recently visited Baton Rouge.
Kiffin could pivot to Williams, a dual-threat quarterback who once committed to Ole Miss when Kiffin coached there. Williams later signed with Arizona and followed Jedd Fisch to Washington, where he broke out in 2025 with 3,065 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions, plus 611 rushing yards and six scores.
In his Instagram post, Williams expressed gratitude to Washington before explaining his decision: “I have to do what is best for me and my future. After much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal.”