Demond Williams Jr. returning to Washington, potentially reopening door to LSU for Sam Leavitt

The weeklong saga involving Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has come to an end, and it might provide a landing spot for former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Williams signed a new contract to return to Washington on Jan. 2, but he then announced intentions to enter the transfer portal just four days later. Washington began preparing means of legal action in response.

Many linked the former Chandler Basha High School product to LSU, as he was initially committed to head coach Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss prior to signing with Jedd Fisch and Arizona out of high school. He then followed Fisch to Washington.

The fallout of Williams’ planned departure from Washington included his agent severing ties due to “philosophical differences.”

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Williams spent Thursday considering his options should he indeed depart as Washington planned to enforce the $4.5 million contract he had signed, eventually landing on a return.

Williams’ next school would’ve owed Washington the value of his contract in addition to a future reduction in revenue-share funds because of the recently enacted House settlement, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger.

“I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building,” Williams wrote in a statement. He also apologized for announcing his portal entry while team members were at a memorial service for a Washington women’s soccer player, Mia Hamant.

“Over the last few days, Demond and I have engaged in very honest and heartfelt conversations about his present and future,” Fisch added. “We both agree that the University of Washington is the best place for him to continue his academic, athletic and social development.

“I appreciate Demond’s statement. I support him, and we will work together to begin the process of repairing relationships and regaining the trust of the Husky community.”

Washington athletic director Patrick Chun emphasized the importance of adhering to — and respecting — contracts in the changing landscape of college sports.

How does Demond Williams Jr.’s decision affect Sam Leavitt?

Because 2025 starter Garrett Nussmeier is headed for the NFL Draft and Williams is remaining in the Pacific Northwest, LSU will be left looking for a starter at the conclusion of the Williams saga.

Williams announced his plans to enter the portal while Leavitt was visiting Baton Rouge and was spotted courtside at a basketball game with Kiffin at the same time.

LouisianaSports publisher Matt Moscano reported Leavitt landing in LSU was “not quite dead yet” in the aftermath of Williams returning, but a lot of work had to be done with how the visit ended as Williams appeared to be Kiffin’s guy.

The Tigers may have to battle SEC foe Tennessee to get him back on campus, as the quarterback arrived for a visit to Knoxville on Wednesday, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

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