JW #18

Josh Williams

Running Back · LSU

An LSU walk-on and son of an ex-NFL running back who turned a scout-team start into a scholarship, an MBA, and an NFL roster spot.

Josh Williams is a Tampa Bay running back who began his college career as a walk-on at LSU and left with a scholarship, team captaincy and multiple degrees. The son of former NFL back Jermaine Williams, he went undrafted in 2025 but earned a spot on the Buccaneers' 53-man roster as a versatile backfield and return option.

★ Made Tampa Bay's 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent

★ Four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection

★ LSU team captain (2024)

Path to the league

Born in Houston, Williams attended The Kinkaid School and joined LSU as a walk-on in 2019, earning a scholarship after his freshman year on the Tigers' national championship scout team. He went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2025.

Career highlights

Williams finished his LSU career with 1,494 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns on 314 carries, plus 71 receptions for 600 yards and a receiving score across 60 games. His best statistical season came in 2024, when he ran for 482 yards and six touchdowns and added 31 catches for 263 yards while serving as team captain. He also earned two bachelor's degrees and an MBA and made the SEC Academic Honor Roll four times.

2025 season recap

Williams made Tampa Bay's 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie and saw limited early action, appearing in three games with four carries for 11 yards and five kickoff returns for 129 yards as he worked to establish a role in the Buccaneers' backfield and return game.