Washington Huskies QB Demond Williams Jr. upgraded to probable for Nebraska game

Washington upgraded junior quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (rib) from questionable to probable on its Thursday availability report, potentially paving the way for his return after missing UW’s 38-26 victory against Purdue on Oct. 16.

“We feel good about what direction we’re going to go Saturday night,” head coach Jedd Fisch said Thursday. “From that point in time, we’ll figure it out after that. But our goal is to put our team in the best possible position to win this week and then each week after that and then we’ll make our decisions.”

Williams, who Fisch revealed sustained a fractured rib during Washington’s 41-24 defeat against Iowa on Oct. 9, was a game-time decision to serve in a reserve role against Purdue, though he was eventually ruled out. His replacement, junior quarterback Elijah Brown, threw for 302 yards on 21-for-27 passing and three touchdowns against three interceptions to help the Huskies win their first Big Ten game of the season.

It’s been a difficult third season in Seattle for Williams, who has thrown for 1,396 yards while completing 66.7% of his 174 pass attempts. He’s added eight touchdowns against three interceptions, while rushing for 183 yards and two scores on 64 carries.

But Williams has struggled to recapture some of the magic that made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country in 2025. He committed costly turnovers during one-score losses against Minnesota and USC, and struggled mightily against Iowa before being knocked out of the game because of injury.

Fisch said Williams and Brown were going to split first-team repetitions during the bye week on Oct. 19. The Husky coach declined to name a starter during his media availability Monday, citing competitive advantage, but noted his decision will be primarily driven by which quarterback he believes gives UW its best chance to beat Nebraska and not any long-term estimations.

Along with Williams, Washington upgraded senior running back Jayden Limar (elbow) to probable. The Oregon transfer hasn’t played since picking up an injury during the final drive of Washington’s 24-10 victory against Washington State on Sept. 6.