Husky Nation can finally relax knowing the foundation of Washington football remains firmly in place. The program’s future is staying exactly where it should. According to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel, standout quarterback has agreed to a new deal that will bring him back to the Washington Huskies for the 2026 season, a move that sends a strong message about the direction of the program.
In today’s college football landscape, where the transfer portal has turned rosters into constant works in progress, keeping a quarterback of Williams’ caliber is a significant achievement. For head coach Jedd Fisch and his staff, retaining one of the most dynamic signal callers in the nation represents a major win and a key step toward long term stability.
Demond Williams Jr. is not simply returning as a familiar face. He is coming back as a genuine Heisman Trophy contender. During the 2025 season, the sophomore quarterback delivered explosive performances week after week, finishing with 32 total touchdowns as both a passer and a runner. His impact went beyond the highlight plays, as he ended the year leading the Big Ten in total offense with an impressive 3,676 combined yards.
The Huskies’ dominant 38 to 10 victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl served as a perfect example of why excitement around Williams continues to build. He was named Offensive MVP after picking apart the Broncos’ defense with precision and confidence, all while displaying the dual threat skill set that makes him so difficult to game plan against. His ability to hurt opponents through the air and on the ground consistently keeps defenses on edge.
Statistically, Williams’ 2025 season placed him among the elite quarterbacks in college football. He completed 69.5 percent of his passes for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns, while throwing just eight interceptions. He also made a major impact with his legs, rushing for 611 yards and six additional scores. That versatility powered a Washington offense that found its rhythm late in the season and fueled optimism about a potential College Football Playoff push in 2026.
The positive news extended beyond the quarterback position. Offensive tackle Drew Azzopardi and defensive tackle Elinneus Davis also confirmed their returns, reinforcing the belief that Washington has built a strong and committed culture in Montlake.
With Demond Williams Jr. back leading the offense, the Huskies are not simply aiming to compete in the Big Ten next season. They are positioning themselves to make a statement and challenge for control of the conference.