Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Demond Williams Jr. Reverses Course, Will Stay at Washington for 2026

The decision follows Washington’s hard line on enforcing a reported $4 million NIL deal.

Overview

  • Williams announced his return on social media and apologized for the timing of his initial transfer post, which coincided with a memorial for UW soccer player Mia Hamant.
  • Washington declined to process his portal entry, demanded a buyout tied to his contract, and submitted alleged tampering evidence to the Big Ten.
  • Reporting indicated that a departure would have triggered roughly $4 million owed to Washington and an equivalent reduction to the new school’s revenue-share pool under House guidelines.
  • Athletic director Pat Chun issued a statement stressing that student-athlete contracts must be respected and enforced in the revenue-sharing era.
  • Coach Jedd Fisch said trust must be rebuilt, and Williams’ agent dropped him before he retained attorney Darren Heitner.