Damond Williams Jr. Will Stay at Washington

After a few days filled with unexpected drama and potential legal disputes, Damond Williams Jr. has decided to remain with the University of Washington.

This decision follows his initial entry into the transfer portal on Tuesday, which took the college football community by surprise. On Thursday, Williams took to social media to share his intention to return as a quarterback for the Huskies next season.

“After careful consideration with my family, I’m happy to say I’ll continue my football journey at the University of Washington,” Williams wrote in an Instagram post. “I’m truly thankful to my coaches, teammates, and everyone involved in the program for fostering a space that allows me to grow both as an athlete and a person.”

He also emphasized, “I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building.”

Washington’s head coach, Jed Fisch, expressed his continued support for Williams amidst the tumult. “In recent days, Damond and I have engaged in sincere and heartfelt discussions about his current situation and future goals. We both agree that the University of Washington is the best environment for him to advance academically, athletically, and personally,” Fisch stated. He noted that he appreciates Williams’ recent announcement and is committed to repairing their relationship as well as regaining the trust of the Husky community.

Reports indicate that Williams’ contract for the upcoming 2026 season is in the “mid $4 million range.” This latest decision comes just days after the 19-year-old announced he would transfer, even though he was still under a contract with the university.

Interestingly, he had hinted at transferring a few days after he had agreed to return to Washington. There were speculations about potential legal action if he proceeded with the transfer.

In that earlier post announcing his intention to transfer, Williams had expressed appreciation for his teammates, coaches, and fans, but he also mentioned that he had to prioritize his career.

Additionally, it was reported that Williams did not file the necessary paperwork required by the Huskies regarding his transfer before he publicly announced his decision on social media.

After his initial transfer announcement, his agent Doug Hendrickson decided to part ways with Williams, citing “philosophical differences.” In a post on social media, Hendrickson wished Williams the best for his future, noting that he is an exceptional talent.

Last season, Williams had a notable performance, throwing for over 3,000 yards, completing 69.3 percent of his passes, and scoring 25 touchdowns while throwing eight interceptions.