$4 million QB predicted to lead unexpected team to college football postseason

The 2026 NCAA transfer portal cycle saw significant activity, particularly among quarterbacks in the Power Four conferences. Washington's starting quarterback, Demond Williams Jr., made headlines with his decision to enter the transfer portal shortly after signing NIL extensions with the Huskies. This move prompted threats of legal action from the university and led to his agent dropping him. Ultimately, Williams recommitted to Washington.

Williams had a strong 2025 season, completing 3,065 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, along with 611 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He earned an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. His return to Washington in 2026 is viewed as a key storyline, with expectations that he will lead the team to the College Football Playoff, as predicted by CBS Sports' Cody Nagel. Washington is ranked No. 19 in CBS's way-too-early top 25 rankings.

The Huskies, having previously reached the College Football Playoff in the 2016-2017 and