The University of Washington’s football program has secured its quarterback of the future with Demond Williams Jr., a young talent primed to take the helm for the Huskies’ inaugural season in the Big Ten.
Coach Jedd Fisch, in a recent interview on “Canzano and Wilner: The Podcast,” revealed the game plan for the 18-year-old quarterback, who is set to start for Washington in 2025. Fisch’s advice to Williams? Watch football. A lot of it.
Fisch, who worked for several NFL teams, including the Patriots, emphasized the importance of learning from elite commentators like Tony Romo and Tom Brady. “Be an elite studier of the game…listen to Romo, listen to Brady,” Fisch advised, highlighting how watching their analysis could help Williams refine his skills and understand the nuances of the game.
Williams saw limited action during the 2024 season, but his performances in the final two games—against Oregon and Louisville in the Sun Bowl—were enough to elevate expectations for next year. Fisch, while acknowledging that the Huskies weren’t vying for a national title in 2024, believes that these formative experiences will pay off in the 2025 season.
With Washington entering its first year in the Big Ten, the competition for a championship is stiff, but the Huskies are in a good position. Unlike other top programs, many Big Ten teams are starting fresh with their quarterbacks. Ohio State will have a new starter, Julian Sayin, while Oregon, Michigan, and USC are all working with quarterbacks who lack substantial experience.
Washington, however, is confident in Williams. With a solid defense under new coordinator Ryan Walters and an offense poised for growth, the Huskies are building something special for 2025. The key will be Williams’ development, both as a player and a leader. Fisch is committed to ensuring Williams is ready for the challenge—taking him to the Manning quarterback camp, providing private training, and setting him up for success.
While the expectations are high, Fisch is optimistic that Williams can meet them. The Huskies’ future looks bright with Williams at the helm, and if he continues to grow, Washington could quickly become a contender in the Big Ten race and a potential playoff spot in 2025.
As Fisch said, every move Williams makes—both on and off the field—will shape Washington’s journey in the Big Ten, and the Huskies are ready for the ride.
