Jacob Hester welcomes Mekhi Wingo to no. 18 club

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•08/26/23
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Recently, LSU announced which two players have earned the honor to wear numbers No. 7 and No.18 for the 2023 season. Receiving the privilege of wearing No. 18 is junior defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo.

Wingo joins a long list of LSU stars who have earned the right to wear the number. And one of the most notable players to sport the No. 18, former Tigers fullback/ running back Jacob Hester, recently shared his excitement and support of this year’s representative. You can check out Hester’s message to Wingo below, along with the video of the LSU starting interior defensive lineman receiving the No. 18 jersey below.

“Let’s geauxxxx @WingoMekhi! Welcome to the club brother. Something feels right about the 18 being in the trenches this year. #GeauxTigers,” wrote Hester via X.

Hester played all four seasons at LSU from 2004-2007. In his senior season, 2007, the Tigers named him team captain and starting tailback. Hester was awarded the No. 18 with those two honors, changing from his original number 22.

In 2007, Hester played a key role in LSU capturing the 2007 national championship as he featured in a loaded backfield, carrying the ball 225 times for 1103 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Wingo has spent his entire collegiate career as a Tiger, but this is his second year at LSU. Prior to heading to Baton Rouge, LA, he spent his freshman season in Columbia, MO, with the Missouri Tigers. Last season at LSU, Wingo proved himself to be a dominant force along the interior of the defensive line. He finished last season with 43 total tackles, 24 solo, or passes defended, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Since arriving on campus last offseason, Wingo has earned the respect and admiration of the coaching staff and players, both current and former. And because of his hard work and dedication, he has etched his name in LSU lore as the 2023 season’s No.18.

Kelly announces who will wear No. 7 jersey for LSU in 2023

LSU head coach Brian Kelly made the announcement earlier in the week of who will be wearing the two jersey numbers for the 2023 season. The Tigers’ headman revealed that offensive lineman Will Campbell will don No. 7.

Of note, Campbell will not actually wear No. 7 due to NCAA rules. He will wear No. 66 but will sport the No. 7 on a jersey patch.

“We want to build upon that tradition and honor the best player on our team who is from the state of Louisiana,” Kelly said in a statement. “Will Campbell has made such an impact on our team in such a short period of time and embodies the qualities to join the legacy of the players that have come before him.”