Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. received an unexpected but exciting directive from head coach Jedd Fisch when discussing his offseason training plan:
Watch TV.
More specifically, watch football on TV.
Fisch was completely serious.
“Be a dedicated student of the game,” Fisch recalled telling Williams, the projected 2025 starter. “Watch as much football as possible and pay attention to the commentators.”
He had specific names in mind: “Listen to Tony Romo. Listen to Tom Brady. You don’t have to listen to everyone else, but those two will teach you a lot.”
Fisch shared this insight on the “Canzano and Wilner: The Podcast,” where he discussed Washington’s first season in the Big Ten, the growing issue of tampering in college football, revenue sharing with athletes, and Williams’ development since following Fisch from Arizona to Washington.
Williams had limited playing time in 2024—until the final two games. His poised performances against Oregon and Louisville (in the Sun Bowl) fueled high expectations for 2025.
“Throughout the season, I gave him about 8 to 10 snaps per game,” Fisch explained. “Some questioned that approach, but we were laying the foundation for the program, not just chasing a national title. Of course, we wanted to win every game, but it was crucial to evaluate his growth as we built toward what I believe will be a championship run.”
That potential run largely depends on Williams’ ability to master the playbook, read defenses, and command the offense through both highs and lows.
To Fisch, NFL broadcasts featuring Brady (Fox) and Romo (CBS) are invaluable teaching tools.
“If you really listen to what Romo and Brady say, you’ll learn more than you ever expected just by watching a game,” Fisch said. He even has his quarterbacks revisit past games on YouTube to study their commentary.
Washington doesn’t need Williams to replicate Michael Penix Jr.’s 2023 dominance to contend for the Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff spot. A performance somewhere between Penix’s 2023 season and Will Rogers’ 2024 campaign could be enough—especially if new defensive coordinator Ryan Walters maintains the Huskies’ defensive strength.
The Big Ten’s quarterback landscape also presents an opportunity. Many top programs are turning to unproven starters:
- Ohio State: Julian Sayin, a five-star recruit with just 12 career pass attempts
- Oregon: Dante Moore, who had limited action at UCLA and Oregon
- Michigan: True freshman Bryce Underwood
- USC: Jayden Maiava, solid but not elite in 2024
- Indiana: Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from Cal
Among the conference’s contenders, only Penn State (Drew Allar) and Illinois (Luke Altmyer) have experienced winners.
Given this landscape, it’s not far-fetched to see Williams emerging as a major impact player—if he embraces every aspect of his offseason preparation.
“He has to understand that everything he does, from nutrition to community involvement, is under scrutiny,” Fisch said. “Every decision he makes outside the facility reflects on Washington football.
“We’ll send him to the Manning Passing Academy, get him private training, and, most importantly, he’s going to lead this team.”