Washington’s QB Room Just Got Explosive: Stanford 4-Star Transfers In—What This Means for the Season!

Washington’s quarterback saga took another twist, didn’t it? After the Demond Williams drama cooled off—this guy’s 2026 status had everyone on edge—the Huskies quietly fortified their QB room by snagging Elijah Brown from Stanford. Who saw that coming? Brown, once a four-star hotshot under Troy Taylor’s brief and turbulent reign at Cardinal, couldn’t quite lock down the starting spot amid coaching upheavals and fierce competition. Yet, here he is, ready to carve out a fresh chapter in Seattle. Is he the hidden ace waiting to replace Williams, especially if the chance to leap to the NFL Draft calls? Only time will tell if Washington’s gamble pays off or if this transfer portal shuffle is just another game of chess in the college football frenzy. Curious about the entire saga? LEARN MORE.

Washington football ended up dealing with Demond Williams and his 2026 status. Now that things simmered there, the Huskies have now added depth to the quarterback room via Stanford: Landing Elijah Brown.

The former Cardinal four-star signing has chosen UW as his next destination, Hayes Fawcett of On3/Rivals confirmed on Monday afternoon.

Brown once rose as a massive recruiting win for Troy Taylor and his Cardinal coaching staff. Taylor, however, got fired before 2025 spring football practices amid accusations of bullying a female staffer.

The former Mater Dei High of Santa Ana, Ca., star QB then played for Frank Reich — but didn’t win QB1 duties over Oregon State transfer Ben Gulbranson. Brown ultimately played in six games — passing for 829 yards and throwing four touchdowns with two picks.

He helped lead Stanford to the upset of Florida State on Oct. 18; completing 6-of-12 for 71 yards. He would’ve played for his third different head coach in Palo Alto since his 2024 commitment had he stayed at Stanford. Tavita Pritchard has now taken the head coaching reins there.

Is ex-Stanford QB a Demond Williams replacement for Washington?

Stanford Cardinal quarterback Elijah Brown (2) looks to pass as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle D'Antre Robinson (6) pressures in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images — Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Speculation sprouted that Brown is the contingency plan if Williams leaves.

Williams sparked national attention with his high-profile decision at attempting to leave. Beau Pribula of Missouri even visited UW on Jan. 7 amid the ongoing situation involving Williams’ future.

Yet Williams re-signed with the Huskies on Jan. 2 — handing the assurance he wasn’t planning on leaving via the College Football Transfer Portal. His decision to enter the portal ignited fury across the CFB realm in this new era.

The dual-threat passer assured his commitment to Washington two weeks ago, though. Brown looks like the heir apparent after 2026 should Williams enter the NFL Draft.

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