Demond Williams Jr. captured the Riddell Sports Air It Out Championship at the Manning Passing Academy on Friday, continuing a Washington tradition.
The Huskies sophomore quarterback follows former Washington star Michael Penix Jr., who won the same competition two years ago.
University of Washington QB @QBDwilliams1 wins the final competition of the Friday Night Lights portion at the Manning Passing Academy #AllAboutTheW | #PurpleReign pic.twitter.com/JCOMUQ15fO
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) June 28, 2025
Williams competed against an elite field at the 29th Manning Passing Academy. The camp brings together top quarterbacks from across college football each summer in Louisiana.
Penn State’s Drew Allar, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt and Oklahoma’s John Mateer attended this year’s session.
South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, Alabama’s Ty Simpson and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier also participated. Louisville’s Miller Moss and SMU’s Kevin Jennings rounded out the field.
The Manning family created the academy to address fundamental throwing and catching skills for players in grades 8-12. The camp has expanded beyond quarterbacks over its three-decade history.
“The Manning Passing Academy is owned and operated by the first family of football; Archie, Cooper, Peyton and Eli Manning… and is an integral part of their lives,” according to the event’s website.
Transfer from Arizona
Williams arrived at Washington after initially enrolling at Arizona in January 2024. The four-star recruit from Basha High School in Arizona entered the transfer portal to follow head coach Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Washington.
The 5-foot-11, 187-pound signal-caller completed his freshman season with 944 passing yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. He added 282 rushing yards and one score on the ground.
Williams showed flashes of elite ability during his debut season. His performance in the Sun Bowl against Louisville demonstrated the potential that’s generating buzz in Seattle.
The championship at Manning Passing Academy signals Williams is committed to his development heading into his second season.
Washington expects Williams to take a significant step forward this fall as he competes for the starting role.
