The transfer portal is open, and there has already been significant movement as top players across college football look for new homes. One of the most active programs in this cycle has been — and will likely continue to be — LSU.
The Tigers have already hosted several transfers and secured six commitments, according to 247Sports. What they have not landed yet, however, is a quarterback.
LSU recently hosted two of the top signal-callers in the portal: Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby and Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt. Sorsby ultimately committed to Texas Tech, signing a reported $5 million deal that made him one of the highest-paid players in college football. Leavitt remains uncommitted but was recently spotted at an LSU basketball game with Lane Kiffin. He is expected to visit Tennessee next, according to On3’s Austin Price.
Does that mean LSU struck out again at quarterback? Possibly. It could also mean Leavitt is simply taking his time. After all, he is now considered not only the top transfer quarterback in the portal, but the top overall player available.
Still, another development may suggest LSU’s quarterback search is far from settled. On January 6, an unexpected name entered the portal.
Washington QB Enters Transfer Portal, LSU Expected Landing Spot
Just when it appeared the quarterback market had settled, Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. announced he was leaving the program.
“I have to do what is best for me and my future,” Williams wrote in an Instagram post. “After much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal.”
LSU is expected to be one of the teams to monitor as a potential landing spot for Williams, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer.
Beyond the appeal of playing in the SEC for a national brand, Williams’ connection to LSU also traces back to Kiffin. Williams was originally committed to Ole Miss in 2022. He also entered the portal with a “do not contact” tag, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The problem is, Washington has said they have “no intention” of releasing him from a deal he signed recently, per The Athletic.
Washington Likely to Push Back on Williams’ Transfer
Williams’ decision reportedly came as a shock to Washington’s coaching staff.
“Word from Washington is players, staff all just found out about Demond Williams’ departure through Twitter/Instagram — a collective state of shock there right now,” Barstool Sports’ Liam Blutman posted on X.
Blutman added that Washington was prepared to pay Williams between $4 million and $6 million annually under a new deal, which now raises the possibility of a legal dispute between the quarterback and the school.
“Demond Williams signed what Washington officials describe as a legally binding revenue-share contract with the school,” Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported. “The university plans to pursue legal avenues and has been in contact with officials from the Big Ten, which drafts revenue-share contracts for its league members.”
As Thamel noted, the situation mirrors what unfolded between Wisconsin and Miami ahead of the 2025 season involving cornerback Xavier Lucas.
“The Big Ten was vocal in Xavier Lucas’ controversial transfer to Miami from Wisconsin, supporting Wisconsin in trying to enforce the contract,” Thamel said.
Losing a cornerback under those circumstances was one thing. Losing a quarterback could escalate matters significantly and add to the growing chaos surrounding NIL and the transfer portal. This situation may ultimately become one of the cases that helps define future boundaries. For now, uncertainty continues to rule college football’s offseason.
LSU Linked to Washington QB After Shocking Transfer Portal Move