College football’s transfer portal is never short on excitement, but Demond Williams Jr. has added another layer of drama.
Days after he agreed to a deal to return to the University of Washington, Williams stunningly announced in a post on Instagram on Tuesday that he intended to enter the transfer portal.
Nevertheless, both ESPN and The Athletic reported that the Huskies plan to enforce the signed contract, with the network adding that the school will even use any possible legal avenues at its disposal.
Williams thanked his teammates, coaches and the fans, but at the end of his statement, laid is intentions out in no uncertain terms.
“I have to do what is best for me and my future,” he wrote. “After much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal.”
The Athletic reported that Williams had not filed any paperwork with Washington about his intention to transfer before going on Instagram to make his decision.
Williams’ surprise announcement now sets up a potential messy situation in Seattle after a season in which he threw for 3,065 yards — on a 69.5 percent completion rate — with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
There is some precedent for this type of situation in college football’s new landscape, with defensive back Xavier Lucas transferring from Wisconsin to Miami in early 2025 while under contract with the Badgers.
After the school did not put his name in the transfer portal, Lucas unenrolled from Madison and then joined Miami.
Wisconsin then sued Miami for alleged tampering this summer in what was called a “first of its kind” case.
Lucas, however, has played this full season for the Hurricanes, recording one interception, one sack and 41 tackles.
