QB Demond Williams Shocks Everyone: Why His Return to Washington Changes Everything!

The college football transfer portal has officially opened, signaling what many are calling an unprecedented wave of player movement ahead of the 2026 season. This year's transfer window is notably condensed, lasting only from January 2 to January 16. With many quarterbacks already announcing their intention to transfer, the landscape of college football is poised to change dramatically.

Washington quarterback Demond Williams made headlines just two days after expressing a desire to enter the transfer portal by announcing he will return to the University of Washington. This decision caps off a whirlwind few days filled with speculation, as Williams had been under pressure after signing a lucrative multi-million dollar contract with the Huskies.

Meanwhile, other quarterbacks such as Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), DJ Lagway (transferring from Florida to Baylor), and Drew Mestemaker (transferring from North Texas to Oklahoma State) have already made their moves. These players are expected to benefit significantly from their transfers, potentially netting substantial financial packages from their new schools.

This transfer frenzy is shaping up to be the biggest yet, and college football fans are keenly watching how teams will adjust their rosters. The window closes on January 16, and many still await final decisions regarding their futures.

Quarterbacks on the Move

As we approach the end of the first week in the transfer portal, one of the more significant announcements came from USC freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet. The five-star prospect, previously the No. 4 ranked quarterback in the Rivals industry rankings for the 2025 class, has decided to enter the portal after a season of limited playing time behind starter Jayden Maiava, who is expected to return for 2026. Longstreet's performance this past season included four games where he completed 13 of 15 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown, along with two rushing touchdowns.

In another significant transfer, former NC State offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak is committing to South Carolina. Peak, who started the last two seasons for the Wolfpack, is ranked as the No. 6 overall player in On3’s transfer portal rankings and stands out as the top offensive lineman available, with one year of eligibility remaining.

Quarterback DJ Lagway is also generating buzz as he transitions from Florida to Baylor. Lagway's time with the Gators was marred by injuries and inconsistency, but he still managed to throw for 4,179 yards and 28 touchdowns over two seasons, despite also tallying 23 interceptions. His potential at Baylor offers a fresh start that many analysts are watching closely.

Other notable transfers include Isaiah Horton, a junior receiver at Alabama, who is expected to enter the portal after a season that saw him contribute 42 catches for 511 yards and eight touchdowns. Horton previously had a productive stint at Miami and will be seeking a new opportunity as he heads into his final year of eligibility.

The dynamics of college football recruiting and player movement have dramatically changed in recent years, with the transfer portal providing a pathway for athletes to find better opportunities and align with programs that fit their aspirations. As more players evaluate their situations, this transfer window will not only shape the immediate future of various teams but could also set the stage for long-term changes in college football strategy and recruitment.

As we keep track of this evolving story, expect a plethora of high-profile transfers to be announced in the coming days. College football fans are eagerly awaiting how these changes will impact the 2026 season, and the transfer portal remains a critical element in this ever-competitive landscape.