Spring Position Breakdown: Quarterback

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If contracts were not legally binding, Demond Williams Jr. would be the man operating Lane Kiffin’s offense during the coach’s first season at LSU. But they are, so Williams is still a Husky.

Mistakes are human nature. That doesn’t mean bad decisions get excused as mistakes.

Williams entering the transfer portal was not a mistake. He saw money and opportunity and leaped toward it. Money makes the world go round. Cash Rules Everything Around Me. There’s no shortage of famous phrases that emphasize the allure of “the bag.”

The mistake was Williams’ assumption that everything would go according to plan, without considering the consequences if it didn’t. It was an oversight that has shifted his reputation among the local fanbase, who, throughout last season, ignored the signs that it could be a flaw.

The attempted transfer to LSU is the on-field equivalent of Williams’ habit of big-play hunting. His eight interceptions and nine fumbles are a product of it.

During the upcoming season, Washington needs consistency out of Williams—the positive kind.
Few players in the country can turn it on as he can and look so fantastic while doing it. When he’s hot, he’s the human torch.

His performance in last season’s Apple Cup is a prime example. One year prior, Will Rogers looked overwhelmed, which was surprising given his experience in the mighty SEC. Jedd Fisch calling a speed option with the game on the line didn’t help his case either. Williams and Co. traveled to Pullman and brought the trophy back to the western side of the state. He threw for four touchdowns in that game and missed just three passes, logging 298 yards. He added a fifth touchdown as a runner, along with 88 yards in the 59–24 romp.

One week later was the excusable performance against Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ defense, with freaks of nature all over the field, stifled Williams, delivering a harsh reality check. The Huskies finished without a touchdown in a 24–6 loss.

The consensus went as follows:

“He didn’t have much help.”

“Ohio State’s defense is the best in the nation.”

“The entire offense was overwhelmed.”

Washington’s next two games were a headache. The Huskies needed 24 second-half points (21 in the fourth quarter) to beat Maryland 24–20. They had a more manageable deficit against Rutgers, winning 38–19 after trailing 13–10 at halftime. Williams hadn’t been perfect, but he was clutch. His second half against Rutgers was another reminder of how special the dual-threat signal-caller can be.

The hype grew again. Preseason Heisman Trophy buzz had quieted after the Ohio State loss. Still, Williams had an opportunity to become one of the biggest names in college football when walking into the Big House to face Michigan. Fox had its A-team in the booth as Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt painted the picture of a potential thriller.

Instead, Washington walked into the Big House of horrors.

Washington got dismantled in a 24–7 defeat. Williams threw three interceptions and again looked overwhelmed. Both Ohio State and Michigan forced him to be a passer, and his arm wasn’t enough to threaten either Big Ten titan.

For the first time, criticism of Williams grew a bit louder than usual. None of it was harsh or unfair; it was honest and carried the tone of, “I can’t wait until he has an offseason to work on this.”

Washington’s next game was a blowout win over Illinois, as Williams threw four touchdowns in front of a Husky Stadium crowd that still believed in him. One week later, fans were frustrated again, with head coach Jedd Fisch catching more flak for the team’s unpreparedness than Williams’ inconsistencies, though both were topics.

By now, you get the point. Williams has excelled, but he’s also struggled. The most intriguing storyline surrounding the Huskies is centered on how Williams will respond to adversity. Fans won’t be as forgiving this season. Washington opens at home against Washington State.

Imagine what would happen if Williams turns the ball over early. Or if the offense is sputtering going into halftime. Or… if the Huskies were to lose that game.

Williams will be under the microscope this year, and criticizing voices will be louder than ever. Last year, fans begged Williams to get out of bounds and slide more often. This season, fans will roll their eyes if he isn’t an aggressive runner.

“He doesn’t want to be here.”

Williams can’t afford to struggle in games that result in defeat.

“We should’ve let him walk.”

How he responds to inevitable negativity will determine what type of season he has and whether the Huskies can take a step forward in year three under Fisch.

Williams has superstar potential and may reach it this season. He’s fresh off a campaign that saw him throw for just over 3,000 yards with 25 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions. He rushed for six scores as well.

If disaster strikes in any way, Washington will turn to its backups.

Elijah Brown

The arrival of Stanford transfer Elijah Brown provides depth to Washington’s quarterback room. He is more experienced than the other backup quarterbacks. He played in six games last season and logged a start against California, a rivalry bout in which he led the Cardinal to a win. Brown threw for 829 yards, four touchdowns with two interceptions on the year, connecting on 74-of-127 attempts. His biggest performances were against Notre Dame, when he threw for 204 yards, and North Carolina, when he had 284. Brown was the No. 11 ranked quarterback and a four-star prospect (247Sports) out of Mater Dei (Santa Ana), prior to his two-year stay in Palo Alto. 

Last season was better production wise for Brown in comparison to the 2024 season when he used his redshirt while throwing two touchdowns with three interceptions in three games. 

Dash Beierly 

Like Brown, Dash Beierly is a product of Mater Dei. He wasn’t as highly touted as a prospect, but the upcoming season will be his second in Jedd Fisch’s system. That’s incredibly important in a battle where trust will play a significant role in who backs up Demond Williams. 

Treston McMillan 

Treston McMillan is in a similar position as Beierly. Two redshirt freshman quarterbacks that are eager to jump to QB2 on the depth chart. 

Derek Zammit

Excluding high schoolers, who can decommit at any time. Washington’s quarterback of the future is likely Derek Zammit. He played in the Under Armor  All-American Game and arrived on campus as the no. 36th-ranked quarterback in the nation. 

Over one year ago, expert Andrew Ivins had high praise for Zammit. 247Sports compared him to fellow East Coast quarterback Tommy Devito. 

“Gritty signal caller that lacks elite physical traits, but one that finds ways to get the job done with his ball placement, pocket mobility and sound decision-making. Captured a state title as a junior while coordinating a pro-style attack that frequently put him under center. Excels at working off play-action as he can hit his targets in stride and manipulate different coverages. Advanced internal clock allows him to sense pressure better than most his age and he’s quick-footed enough to escape his fair share of sacks. Has also shown the ability to change arm angles and throw around obstacles while on the move. Might not project as a high-volume passer at this stage, and will likely need a year or two to adjust to the speed of the collegiate game, but has some of what’s required to eventually win games at the Power Four level as he’s the type of quarterback that can limit mistakes and keep an offense on schedule while still creating unexpected opportunities.”

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