Demond Williams Jr. at risk

Demond Williams Jr. has regressed from a top 24 quarterback to 99th in FBS rankings with a 45.0 rating, a precipitous decline from last year’s 75.3 rating.

“Finis coronat opus”

Contract and performance gap

Williams’ reported $4 million deal with UW, believed to be the sixth richest contract in college football, clashes with nearly half a season of results falling short of last year’s breakout season.

Team injuries impact offense

Washington’s offense is hampered by the absence of star receiver Denzel Boston and running back Jonah Coleman, who were taken in the 2026 NFL draft, plus four injured running backs.

Coach Jedd Fisch’s advice

Coach Jedd Fisch tells Williams to focus on the work and block out the noise, emphasizing resilience and the reality of playing better every week.

“We talk a lot about the most important guy is the man in the glass, right? The man in the mirror”

Big Ten’s declining standing

The Big Ten is 4-10 this season, the fewest wins among Power 4 conferences, with the SEC leading at 10-2 and the Big 12 at 5-7.

Iowa’s quarterback injury

Iowa quarterback Hank Brown is questionable for Friday’s game after spraining the AC joint in his right throwing arm during a 31-14 loss to Ohio State.

Washington’s ranking drop

Washington dropped from No. 23 to 50th in The Athletic’s weekly power rankings and is projected to finish with a 5-7 record.

UW’s future uncertainty

Hugh Millen, a former UW great, believes Williams’ career at Washington will end with him being booed at Husky Stadium if he doesn’t improve.

“Finis coronat opus”

Big Ten playoff bubble

The Big Ten is likely to get only two playoff spots this season, down from four following the 2024 season, after a sour dialogue with the CFP Selection Committee.

What happens next

Washington has seven games left to reverse course before a pivotal game against Iowa on Friday night.