Williams, Penn to share No. 18

LSU’s No. 18 club minted its newest members Thursday night.

Sixth-year senior Josh Williams and senior linebacker Greg Penn will share the honor of the number passed down since Matt Mauck wore it in 2003. They become the 19^th and 20th players to don the number since the tradition began.

Williams tailback began his career at LSU as a walk-on and has ascended to the starting spot. While excelling on the field, he’s done the same in the classroom and community. Three times Williams has been named to the SEC All-Academic team. He’s earned both his Bachelor’s Degree and Masters from LSU. He was named to the Hampshire National Honors Society, as well.

Williams led the Tigers in rushing in 2022 and has accumulated 1390 all-purpose yards in his career. The Houston native becomes the fourth running back in the lineage, joining Jacob Hester (2004-07), Richard Murphy (2010) and Chris Curry (2020).

“I’ve had a long journey, coming here as a walk-on in 2019 and now in my sixth season,” Williams said in a release by LSU Sports Information. “Being able to represent LSU with the number 18 jersey means a lot to me. Seeing the number 18s that I have played with over the years and seeing what they meant to the team and what they mean to LSU, I just want to thank coach Kelly and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to wear this special number.”

Penn has started 27 of the last 28 games for the Tigers and ranked second on the team in tackles last year.

“(Greg Penn) kept our defense together last year,” Head Coach Brian Kelly said via press release. “We won 10 games last year and he kept our unit together through some difficult times, because he was about LSU football. He was about, when we brought a transfer in at his position, all he did was work harder. He represents all the principles of being a great teammate and a guy you can count on.”

The Baltimore native returns in 2024 as the unquestioned leader of the LSU defensive middle. Penn made the decision this summer to switch from his No. 30 to No. 3 to honor teammate Greg Brooks. He’ll now wear the most coveted number in the program.

LSU begins its season a week from Sunday versus USC in Las Vegas