Washington continued to reshape its roster through the transfer portal, adding a quarterback who can play an important role in stabilizing the depth chart moving forward. The Huskies secured a commitment from former Stanford signal-caller, a move that brings both experience and competition to a key position as the program looks ahead.
Elijah Brown announced his decision through On3’s Hayes Fawcett after entering the portal following two seasons with the Cardinal. The 6 foot 2, 205 pound quarterback is currently rated as a three star transfer by 247Sports, but his résumé suggests more upside than that label might imply. He was once a four star high school recruit and a four year starter at powerhouse Mater Dei High School, giving him a background that few backups can match.
That experience aligns with what head coach Jedd Fisch has publicly said he wants behind his starter. “We’re going to look at possibly replacing Kai Horton, if we need a No. 2 quarterback with some experience,” Fisch said during a Jan. 14 press conference. “But I also believe that Derek Zammit and Kini McMillan and Dash Beierly earned the right to compete for that No. 2 job.”
While Fisch expressed confidence in the quarterbacks already on the roster, Brown’s arrival suggests Washington still felt the need to add a proven option. Brown brings real game action from Stanford, where he appeared in three contests before taking over as the starter late in the 2025 season. He started the final three games for the Cardinal, completing 74 of 127 passes for 829 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions, giving the Huskies a quarterback who has already handled pressure at the college level.
Elijah Brown will back up Demond Williams Jr. in 2025, but he could start for Washington someday
Brown is widely viewed as the leading candidate to step into Washington’s QB2 role in 2026. At the same time, head coach Jedd Fisch’s cautious approach to the transfer portal positions Brown as the most likely successor to Demond Williams Jr. once the junior quarterback eventually departs the program.
“I do not and will not subscribe to trying to build a football team through free agency,” Fisch said on Jan. 14. “Some people can do that. Good for them. That is not us. We are going to bring in players, develop them, and see how good they can get.”
While that comment may come across as strongly anti portal, Fisch has clarified that it is more about priorities than absolutes. He prefers to emphasize internal development rather than relying heavily on outside additions. Bringing Brown in as a backup reflects Fisch’s confidence in the young quarterback’s upside and his belief that Brown can continue to grow within the program.
That outlook should be encouraging for Husky fans. Brown, a two time California state champion at Mater Dei, has already drawn praise for his skill set. 247Sports’ Greg Biggins highlighted Brown’s “high level anticipation and accuracy,” along with his composure and sneaky athletic ability.
Looking ahead, Brown’s path to the starting job remains flexible. If Williams Jr. opts for the NFL Draft or enters the transfer portal after the 2026 season, Brown could step into the role with two years of eligibility still available. If Williams Jr. instead returns for his senior year, Brown would have the opportunity to spend another season developing and potentially emerge as Washington’s starter as a redshirt senior in 2028.
Williams Jr. is firmly entrenched as the Huskies’ starter for now, but depth and planning matter. In an offseason filled with uncertainty and change, Washington may have quietly positioned itself with its next starting quarterback already in the building.