Washington football projected as College Football Playoff participants

Demond Williams Jr. has returned to the Washington Huskies after a brief transfer attempt, positioning himself as a top quarterback prospect for the 2026 college football season. Williams, who completed 69.5% of his passes for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns in his first full season, also rushed for 611 yards and six touchdowns, the highest rushing total among Big Ten quarterbacks. His return comes as head coach Jedd Fisch enters his third year at Washington, with expectations of a College Football Playoff run heightened.

Williams acknowledged his brief departure as a mistake and expressed gratitude for being back with his team. CBS Sports analyst Cody Nagel predicts that Williams' leadership could be pivotal in the Huskies' pursuit of playoff contention. With much of the offensive line returning, Williams is expected to step up as the main offensive playmaker following the departures of top rusher Jonah Coleman and leading receiver Denzel Boston. The team will rely on a strong offensive line to support Williams and address