Washington Football WR Lands Trading Card NIL Deal, WR1 Next?

The last time the Washington Huskies took the field for the Dawgs After Dark spring game, wide receiver Rashid Williams had the marquee moment.

>Williams, a former four-star recruit in the 2023 class and projected starting receiver for coach Jedd Fisch this fall, hauled in a 45-yard deep shot from junior quarterback Demond Williams Jr. with just over three minutes in the first half for the first touchdown of the evening back on May 1.

>"Huge couple of big plays from Rashid," Fisch said after the game. "Rashid's had a great spring. This is the first spring since we've been here that he's stayed healthy the whole spring. Then, obviously missing almost all of last season, to be able to have him come back and take on that leadership role and be able to make some of those plays tonight with Demond was fun to see."

>"Obviously the big touchdown was great. And then, also the sideline toe-tap was pretty cool. It's been great to see Rashid step up and be the guy we know he's going to be all season."

>Rashid Williams × Pulse Trading Cards

Built through preparation. Strengthened through opportunity. Congratulations, Rashid. Looking forward to what's next.

#3strand#3strandsports#3strandfootballpic.twitter.com/H4T8nWwQtP

— 3 Strand Football (@3StrandFootball) July 31, 2026When he arrived in Seattle in June 2023, the Pittsburg High School product had to wait behind the future NFL trio of Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan and Ja'Lynn Polk—plus eventual starter turned draft pick Denzel Boston—before last season, when Williams was viewed as the next receiver to fill the void and potentially replicate Boston's production.

>Williams made his first career start in the season-opener against Colorado State, boasting 4 catches for 27 yards. The following week against UC Davis, Williams made a 27-yard catch on the first play from scrimmage and suffered a collarbone injury on the play against the Aggies, before suffering a hand injury in practice ahead of his return, ending his season.

>In Fisch's first season at the helm, Williams played in all 13 games, finishing with 11 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown, a 2-yard strike to add a late score at Iowa in a 40-16 defeat for UW in Iowa City. This fall, Williams is expected to be one of three starters for Fisch and wide coach Kevin Cummings.

>One of two potential key outside receiver options for Williams Jr. in his second full season as a starter, along with a mixture of Kennesaw State veteran transfer Christian Moss and true freshman Jordan Clay, among several other candidates expected to compete for playing time and targets this fall, Williams has an opportunity to emerge as a go-to pass catcher.

>Although it would certainly be optimal for the Brentwood, California native to start every game and match Boston in at least two key statistical categories, Williams could prove to be one of two productive veterans while also being a bridge to Clay and fellow freshmen Trez Davis and Blaise LaVista, in addition to redshirt sophomore Justice Williams.

>This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Football WR Lands Trading Card NIL Deal, WR1 Next?