College football in 2026 is basically the Wild West. If you thought the transfer portal was chaotic last year, the last two weeks in Seattle have been a total fever dream. Honestly, following University of Washington football news right now feels more like tracking a high-stakes corporate merger than a sports season. We’ve had a $4 million quarterback almost walk out the door, a coaching staff fighting off poaching attempts from Michigan, and a recruiting class that—on paper—is the best this program has seen in the modern era.
It’s a lot to digest.
The headline that everyone is still buzzing about is Demond Williams Jr. and his "will-he-won-not-he" dance with the portal. Last week, Williams announced he was leaving. Two days later? He’s back. This wasn't just a kid changing his mind; it was a collision between NIL contracts and the reality of roster building. Reports surfaced that UW was prepared to take legal action to enforce his NIL deal, which is rumored to be worth north of $4 million. That’s NFL backup money. It’s wild.
The Demond Williams U-Turn and the $4 Million Question
When Williams posted on Instagram that he had to "do what is best for me," the Husky community collectively lost its mind. He’s coming off a 2025 season where he threw for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns. You don't just replace that. But the drama behind the scenes was even crazier. His agent, Doug Hendrickson, actually severed ties with him during the saga, citing "philosophical differences."
Jedd Fisch spent the last few days in "heartfelt conversations" with Williams to mend fences. It seems to have worked. Williams is officially back for the 2026 season, and honestly, the Huskies' playoff hopes probably lived or died in that meeting. If Williams had left, Fisch was looking at Beau Pribula, the former Missouri and Penn State QB who visited Seattle during the chaos, as a potential replacement. Now? Williams is the undisputed leader of a team trying to prove they belong at the top of the Big Ten.
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Jedd Fisch is Staying (For Now)
Let’s talk about the coach. Fisch has been the subject of massive speculation regarding the Michigan job after Sherrone Moore was let go. He’s had to stand at podiums and repeatedly tell reporters, "I expect to be here." He even mentioned that until college football adopts NFL-style contracts where teams have to give permission for coaches to leave, these rumors will never die.
Fisch isn't just staying; he’s building. He recently noted that the team hit a 3.31 GPA last fall—the highest ever for the program. He’s also trying to move away from being a "portal-first" team. While everyone else is chasing the shiny new toy in the portal, Fisch has re-signed 61 players from last year's roster. He wants continuity. In a world where 20 players leave a program every December, that kind of stability is actually a competitive advantage.
Who is Coming in for 2026?
The 2026 recruiting class is legitimately elite. We’re talking about 25 signees from 11 different states.
- Kodi Greene: A 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive tackle from Mater Dei. He’s the crown jewel.
- Derek Colman-Brusa: A local Seattle kid from Kennedy Catholic who is one of the top edge rushers in the country.
- Jordan Clay: A dynamic receiver from Texas who could be the next great UW wideout.
- Ansu Sanoe: A physical running back from Oregon who’s been committed for a long time.
It’s not just high school kids, though. Fisch has been selective in the portal, landing guys like Emmanuel Karnley (CB) and Jayden Limar (RB) to fill specific holes. Limar is an interesting one—he’s an experienced back who’s expected to take over the heavy lifting in the run game.
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The Realities of the 2026 Big Ten Grind
You've probably noticed the roster is getting crowded. Fisch expects to have about 86 scholarship players ready for spring practice, which starts in April. The total roster, including walk-ons, will sit around 102.
There are some injury concerns to watch. Isaiah Ward is back and full go, which is huge for the defense. But Taariq Al-Uqdah won't be cleared until fall camp, and Kade Eldridge will likely be limited this spring. This means some of the younger guys, like Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, are going to get a ton of reps early on.
The schedule isn't getting any easier. While the full 2026 dates are still being finalized, the transition to the Big Ten has changed how this team has to practice. It’s more physical. It’s more about depth. You can't just have a great starting eleven anymore; you need a two-deep that can handle a cold November game in Ann Arbor or Columbus.
What Most Fans Are Getting Wrong
A lot of people think the Huskies are in "rebuild" mode because of the coaching turnover and the portal exits. That’s just not true. Fisch has a 14-11 record at UW so far, but he’s coming off a nine-win season and a victory in the LA Bowl against Boise State. This program is "re-tooling," not rebuilding.
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The biggest misconception is that NIL is the only reason players stay. While that $4 million for Williams is a massive factor, the legal pushback from the university shows that schools are starting to fight back against the "free agency" feel of the sport. They want a return on their investment.
Key Dates to Circle
If you want to keep up with University of Washington football news, here is what you need to look out for in the coming months:
- Late January: The current transfer portal window closes. Watch for any late additions on the defensive line.
- April 2026: Spring practice kicks off. This will be the first time we see the 2026 signing class on the field.
- Late April: The Spring Game. This is usually the best look at how the QB battle (or lack thereof) is shaping up.
The program is also inducting Chris Petersen and Olin Kreutz into the College Football Hall of Fame this year. It’s a nice reminder of the "toughness and physicality" that Fisch is trying to bring back to Montlake.
Actionable Insights for Husky Fans
To stay ahead of the curve, don't just follow the major headlines. Watch the "depth" positions. The Huskies are currently hunting for a veteran offensive tackle and another interior defensive lineman in the portal to support the young guys like Ah Deong Yang.
If you're looking to attend games this fall, season ticket renewals are starting earlier than usual due to the increased demand of the Big Ten schedule. Keep an eye on the "Husky Royalty" points if you're trying to get better seating for the away games at places like Michigan or Penn State.
The drama of the last two weeks might have been exhausting, but it proves one thing: Washington is still a major player. You don't have $4 million NIL battles over players if the program doesn't matter. The Huskies are relevant, they’re talented, and despite the chaos, they’re positioned to be a problem in the Big Ten this year.