If you thought the offseason on Montlake would be a quiet stretch of rainy afternoons and weight room highlights, the last two weeks just slapped that notion right out of the air. It’s been wild. Honestly, "chaotic" doesn't even quite cover what just went down with Demond Williams Jr. and the coaching staff.
Between a $4 million NIL showdown and a transfer portal revolving door that seems to never stop spinning, the latest uw huskies football news is basically a masterclass in how modern college football works—or doesn't.
The Demond Williams Jr. Rollercoaster (And Why He's Back)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the quarterback who almost left the room.
Just a few days ago, the entire Husky community was in a full-blown panic. Demond Williams Jr., the guy Jedd Fisch has practically touted as a future Heisman contender, announced he was hitting the transfer portal. This was after he’d already signed a massive $1 million-a-year NIL deal to stay put.
It was a mess.
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The timing was particularly rough. Williams’ announcement dropped right during a memorial for Mia Hamant, a beloved UW soccer player. Fans were furious. His own agent, Doug Hendrickson, reportedly dropped him because of "philosophical differences" over the move. Washington’s athletic department even hinted at taking legal action to enforce that NIL contract. Basically, the school told him, "If you leave, you or your next school owes us that $4 million back."
The 48-Hour Reversal
Then, just as quickly as the fire started, it was out. Williams apologized, reaffirmed his commitment, and is back in the fold for 2026.
Why does this matter so much? Because without Demond, the 2026 season looks like a rebuilding year. With him, coming off a season where he threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, the Huskies are legit Big Ten contenders. Fisch called it a "win" to get him back, but let's be real—there's some serious trust to rebuild in that locker room.
Portal Power: Who’s Coming and Who’s Going?
While the quarterback drama took the headlines, the roster has been undergoing a quiet but massive facelift. Fisch isn't a "build through the portal" guy by nature, but he’s not stupid. He knows the defensive line needed more meat.
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The Huskies just picked up a trio of defensive tackles to help plug the gaps:
- DeSean Watts (Sacramento State): A first-team All-Big Sky guy who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 318 pounds. He’s a space-eater.
- Kai McLendon (Mississippi State): SEC experience is never a bad thing to add to a Big Ten roster.
- Darin Conley (Ball State): Adds much-needed depth to a rotation that got gassed at times last year.
On the flip side, the wide receiver room is looking a little thin. Losing Denzel Boston to the NFL Draft was expected, but missing out on top portal targets like Nick Marsh has some people worried. Right now, the passing game is going to rely heavily on young guys like Jordan Clay and Trez Davis. It’s a lot of pressure on freshmen.
Recruiting: The Best Class in Program History?
If you want a reason to be optimistic about uw huskies football news, look at the 2026 recruiting class. It’s currently ranked 12th in the country and 5th in the Big Ten. That is huge.
We’re talking about 25 signees, headlined by 5-star offensive tackle Kodi Greene. This kid is 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds coming out of Mater Dei. He might actually start as a true freshman, which tells you everything you need to know about his talent and our current depth at left tackle.
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Fisch also landed Brian Bonner, a lightning-fast running back from California, and kept local star Derek Colman-Brusa home to play EDGE. The strategy is clear: dominate the West Coast and cherry-pick elite talent from Texas and the Midwest.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule
The 2026 season is going to feel different from day one. For the first time ever, the Huskies are expected to open the season with the Apple Cup against Washington State on September 5th.
No more waiting until November for the rivalry. It’s a bold move, and it sets the tone for a schedule that includes home games against Iowa, Penn State, and Minnesota. The road trip to Oregon is already circled on everyone’s calendar, obviously.
Roster Health Update
One bit of news that hasn't gotten enough play: safety Rashawn Clark is going to miss spring ball after shoulder surgery. It’s a bummer because he was a breakout star as a freshman, but the staff expects him back for fall camp. On the bright side, EDGE Isaiah Ward is "full go," which is massive for the pass rush.
Actionable Steps for Husky Fans
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve this offseason, here is what you actually need to do:
- Watch the Spring Game: Keep a close eye on the chemistry between Demond Williams and the new transfer receivers. If that connection isn't there by April, the portal might open back up for a veteran wideout.
- Track the "Six More": Jedd Fisch mentioned he wants to add about six more players from the portal this month. Watch for a veteran cornerback or a big-bodied receiver to fill those final slots.
- Monitor NIL Developments: The Williams saga proved that UW is willing to play hardball with contracts. This could change how every player on the roster views their "commitments" moving forward.
The 2026 season isn't just about winning games; it's about proving that the Jedd Fisch era can survive the "insane landscape" of modern college sports. So far, the Huskies are still standing.