Quarterback Damond Williams Jr. May Leave Washington Huskies
Damond Williams Jr., the quarterback for the Washington Huskies, is contemplating leaving the program shortly after signing a one-year NIL contract valued at approximately $4 million for the upcoming 2026 season. This decision has prompted his agent to reassess their partnership.
On Thursday, Doug Hendrickson took to social media to share the developments regarding Williams. He stated, “Due to philosophical differences, I have made the decision to terminate my representation of Damond Williams Jr. effective immediately.” He also remarked, “Damond is a tremendous talent and we wish him and his family every success in the future.”
Interestingly, Hendrickson also represents Huskies coach Jed Fisch. Just days after his contract signing, Williams expressed his intent to enter the NCAA transfer portal, a move that could significantly impact the landscape of college football.
Williams’ announcement came a mere four days after signing his contract with Washington, which complicates matters further. Notably, attorney Darren Hytner is stepping in to represent Williams moving forward. It is reported that the Huskies could potentially prevent Williams from transferring, as his contract may restrict entry into the transfer portal and limit the use of his NIL rights by other schools. Additionally, NCAA guidelines prevent Williams from engaging in discussions with other programs, which has spurred conversations among coaches about issues of tampering.
This situation is drawing considerable attention within the college football community, with many experts pondering its ramifications. A senior official from a university commented on the matter, emphasizing the importance of honoring contracts, stating, “Are we going to honor each other’s contracts? It’s very simple. If we don’t honor this, nothing else matters.”
Should Williams decide to leave Washington, there are whispers that LSU might be his preferred destination. The new head coach at LSU, Lane Kiffin, is reportedly on the lookout for a quarterback to transfer for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, other potential recruits are navigating their own commitments and eligibility scenarios.
In his second season at Washington, Williams proved to be a dual-threat quarterback, passing for 3,065 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions while also rushing for 611 yards and adding six more touchdowns. The scrutiny surrounding his next move indicates that college football fans and analysts are keenly watching how this unfolds.
