The University of Washington is threatening legal action against quarterback Demond Williams for entering the NCAA transfer portal just days after signing a $5 million NIL deal.
The sophomore quarterback threw for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns in a breakout season with the Washington Huskies in 2025.
Demond signed an NIL (name, image, likeness) deal with Washington for nearly $5 million on January 2.
Just days later, Demond reportedly received a better offer from another school.
On Tuesday night, he announced he was entering the transfer portal, prompting the Huskies to threaten legal action against him.
Rumor has it that LSU offered Demond $6 million to break his contract his Washington.
Washington officials say they will enforce the “legally binding” NIL contract that Demond signed just days ago. Officials plan to submit evidence of tampering by the other school.
Demond’s teammates found out about his decision while attending a celebration of life ceremony for Huskies women’s soccer player Mia Hamants, who died of kidney failure.
X user @coker_UDub wrote: “The f–ker did it while our whole team and staff was at a Celebration of Life for our soccer player.”
X user @Blutman27 wrote: “Word from Washington is players, staff all just found out about Demond Williams’ departure through Twitter/Instagram. A collective state of shock there [right now].”
A third person wrote: “Spineless move by Demond Williams if true. These portal stories make me want to put holes in my drywall with how broken the foundations are in college football.”
Demond defended his decision in his departure announcement, writing, “I have to do what is best for me and my future.”
Coaches have long criticized NIL deals for destroying college sports
Coaches have long criticized NIL deals for destroying college sports. They say NIL deals favor wealthy sports programs that pay more money for the best players. Smaller programs can’t compete on that level.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders slammed NIL deals in college, saying “It don’t make sense.”
During a podcast, Deion urged players to “chase the game, not the bag.”
“I’ve never chased money in my life. I’ve chased greatness. And guess what came with greatness? The money.”
Wow: Deion Sanders says that certain players are chasing money in the Portal and are jeopardizing their futures.
?"I've never chased money in my life. I've chased greatness. And guess what came with greatness? The money"
Coach Prime is speaking facts ?pic.twitter.com/V99Xdi3zym
Contents— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 4, 2026
A longtime Colorado booster also expressed frustration with paying players who have no loyalty to the football program.
“You give them [that] check and the guy’s gone tomorrow. To hell with that. No allegiance, no money.”
