Keanu Williams, a 6‑5, 329‑pound defensive lineman, has officially joined the Penn State Nittany Lions and will wear the No. 97 jersey.
During his most recent campaign at UCLA he started 11 games, recording 39 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup, and he was a key contributor in the Bruins’ upset victory over Penn State in October.
A Sixth Year of Eligibility
The move comes after a season‑ending injury in 2024, granting Williams an extra year of eligibility that he plans to use to make an immediate impact.
A four‑star recruit from Clovis, California, Williams began his college recruitment as an Oregon commit before flipping to UCLA, a path shaped in part by his father’s own football legacy at Iowa.
A New Coaching Landscape
Under defensive line coach D’Anton Lynn, Williams is expected to anchor a revamped front that has been seeking size and experience to compete in the upcoming Big Ten schedule.
The Nittany Lions open the 2026 campaign at home against Marshall, a game that will be just 97 days away, and the coaching staff believes Williams’ presence could tip the balance early in the season.