Washington’s dynamic quarterback, Demond Williams Jr., has quickly emerged as a dual-threat force in college football. With a blend of arm talent and rushing ability, Williams is redefining the Huskies’ offense under head coach Jedd Fisch.
His standout performance had Big Ten Network analyst Yogi Roth buzzing about his potential to become the most impactful quarterback in the Big Ten in 2025, and on an episode of his podcast, the Y-Option, Roth stated that he believes he might be the best athlete at that position in the league. “He has dual threat ability that is really dynamic, but most importantly, I want to remind the UW fans that he is a passer, a passer, he’s not just a runner trying to throw,” Roth said. “Find any coach and ask them what is the scariest thing to defend? A dynamic dual-threat quarterback…I love so many things about him. One, I will just say his personality is infectious. He has a smile that will light up your TV screen wherever you’re watching.”
Williams’ dual-threat presence was on full display during his true freshman season in 2024. Across 13 games, including two starts, he completed 78.1 percent of his passes (82-for-105) for 944 yards, 8 touchdowns, and just one interception. On the ground, he added 282 yards and 2 scores across 83 carries, showcasing his ability to evade defenders with a reported 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed.
His breakout moment came in the Sun Bowl against Louisville, where he threw for 374 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding 48 yards and a score on the ground in a narrow 35-34 loss. This performance showcased what kind of ceiling he has both in the air and on the ground as he prepares for his first full season as the starter.
What sets Williams apart is his versatility. Unlike traditional pocket passers, he thrives outside of structured plays, using his speed and agility to extend drives and create opportunities. His high school career at Basha in Chandler, Arizona, foreshadowed this talent—completing 71.4 percent of his passes for 10,035 yards and 93 touchdowns, while rushing for 2,783 yards and 42 scores over four years.
This rare combination earned him a four-star recruit ranking and the attention of Fisch, who has called him the “future face of the program.”
Washington is no stranger to having dual-threat quarterbacks, going back to Isaiah Stanbeck, Jake Locker, and Keith Price. But, as Fisch has said, “Demond is going to be special.”
How special? He shows similar traits to Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Lamar Jackson. An enticing thought.
As he enters his sophomore year, Williams’ development will be key to elevating the Huskies’ ceiling, potentially reminiscent of the legendary impact of Michael Penix Jr. With his skill set, the future looks bright in Montlake.
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