The Washington Huskies’ future at quarterback may arrive sooner than expected. According to sources close to the program, freshman signal-caller Demond Williams Jr. is poised for a significant increase in playing time against the No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks on Saturday – including the potential for his first career start.
Williams, a highly-touted recruit, has seen action in every game this season as the understudy to veteran Will Rogers. The Washington coaching staff has been deliberate in providing the young quarterback with valuable game experience, viewing him as the program’s quarterback of the future.
A Glimpse of the Future
Last week against UCLA, Williams provided a tantalizing preview of what that future might hold. Coming off the bench in the second half, he orchestrated three scoring drives, helping to secure a 31-19 victory, a bowl bid, and an undefeated home record for the Huskies.
Demond will be the face of Washington football moving forward next year. But he’s going to continue to get reps throughout this season, like he has.
Washington Head Coach Jedd Fisch
Efficiency and Explosiveness
In his relief appearance against the Bruins, Williams displayed both efficiency and explosiveness. He completed 7 of 8 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown while adding 31 rushing yards on six carries. His dual-threat capabilities were on full display.
Earlier this season against Penn State, Williams also flashed his big-play potential in extended action. Despite the lopsided score, he helped the Huskies move the ball, highlighted by a 43-yard designed run.
A New Era in Seattle
The 2024 season has been one of transition for Washington. After playing for the national title last year, the Huskies returned only two starters and a mere 70 offensive snaps from their two matchups with Oregon.
Despite the inexperience, Washington has managed a respectable 6-5 record. The promise of the future has been a beacon for Husky fans, with Williams and star tailback Jonah Coleman, who recently announced his return for 2025, representing the cornerstones of the program’s next chapter.
Saturday’s clash with the top-ranked Ducks could serve as a passing of the torch. A strong performance from Williams would not only solidify his status as the Huskies’ quarterback of the future but also signal that the future might already be here.
The Stage is Set
As the Huskies prepare to enter the hostile confines of Autzen Stadium, all eyes will be on the young quarterback wearing No. 12. With an expanded role and the weight of a program’s future on his shoulders, Demond Williams Jr. has the opportunity to seize the moment and announce his arrival on the national stage.
Will the freshman phenom rise to the occasion? Can he lead Washington to an upset of historic proportions? The answers to these questions may well determine not just the outcome of Saturday’s game, but the trajectory of Husky football for years to come.
