LSU running backs preview: Jones, Durham and new transfers
LSU running backs is the place to start this quick depth note: the room blends veteran size, proven production and multiple transfers who create real competition. This preview opens with the roster snapshot, then breaks down the leading candidates, transfer depth and offensive context to watch into camp.
LSU running backs snapshot
- Dilin Jones — 5-11, 211, RsSo
- Caden Durham — 5-9, 200, Jr
- Harlem Berry — 5-10, 187, So
- Rod Gainey — 5-9, 183, RsSo (Charlotte transfer)
- Stacy Gage — 5-10, 206, RsSo (UCF transfer)
- Raycine Guillory Jr. — 5-10, 179, RsFr (Utah transfer)
Dilin Jones and the projected lead role
Dilin Jones brings a physical frame and prior starting experience that project well between the tackles. At Wisconsin he produced roughly 300 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns before a toe injury ended his season early, per Dandy Don’s reporting.
Many outlets, including Dandy Don, list Jones as an early favorite to handle primary snaps; that is an informed projection and should be read as opinion rather than an official depth-chart announcement. Coaches have historically left roles open through camp and reward performance in practice, so Jones’ frame and Wisconsin experience are part of why observers peg him as a leading candidate (per Dandy Don).
Returners to know: Caden Durham and Harlem Berry
Caden Durham gives LSU a returning production profile that matters. Across his first two seasons he totaled 1,258 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, a clear sample size that suggests he will command meaningful opportunities if healthy and consistent (per Dandy Don).
Harlem Berry arrived as a freshman who flashed playmaking ability, finishing his freshman season with 491 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Those numbers — and game-level flashes of explosiveness — are the foundation for an increased role if Berry gains traction in early practice reps (per Dandy Don).
Neither returner is an automatic lock for a fixed role; both bring a mix of experience and upside that should keep them squarely in the rotation, especially given Lane Kiffin’s tendency to rotate backs based on matchups and hot-hand performance.
New transfers and depth competition
LSU added three backs from the portal this cycle: Rod Gainey (Charlotte), Stacy Gage (UCF) and Raycine Guillory Jr. (Utah). Those additions broaden the depth chart and create competition for situational roles — short-yardage, third-down and special-teams snaps — in addition to straight carries.
Each transfer brings a slightly different skill set: some are built for downhill, between-the-tackles work while others profile better as receiving options or special-teams contributors. Kiffin’s staff has emphasized rewarding the practice “hot hand,” so these portal additions are likely to see early opportunities if they separate themselves in camp drills and situational work (per Dandy Don).
Putting the room in Lane Kiffin’s offensive context
How the running back room is used will be shaped by Lane Kiffin’s offensive identity. Kiffin-coached offenses ranked top-10 nationally in scoring each of the last two seasons and averaged 36.9 points per game last year, according to Dandy Don’s summary of his recent track record.
That offensive ceiling differs markedly from LSU’s 22.8 points per game a year ago, which helps explain why the running backs could see more scoring chances and scripted opportunities than they did previously (per Dandy Don). For historical perspective, the 2019 Tigers averaged 48.4 points per game with Joe Burrow throwing 60 touchdown passes — an example of how scheme and quarterback play can inflate scoring opportunities.
Under Kiffin, expect a mix: inside, downhill runs that reward a physical lead back; designed touches for speed and space players; and a higher-volume passing game that produces checkdowns and passing-down reps for backs who run routes well. Which players absorb those reps will emerge from camp and early-season game plans rather than preseason proclamations.
What to watch this fall and recruiting note
Camp indicators to track: who handles early down, between-the-tackles snaps; who protects the quarterback reliably in pass protection; who flashes as a receiver out of the backfield; and who consistently makes plays on special teams. Kiffin’s staff is known to hand meaningful reps to players who consistently show up in practice, so early momentum matters.
On the recruiting front, safety Jayden Anding of Ruston is expected to announce his decision on the Rivals YouTube channel at about 12:30 p.m. today; that choice — LSU or Ole Miss — is a localized recruiting note that could affect class perception and defensive depth (per Dandy Don). Keep an eye on that announcement if you follow LSU’s broader roster-building picture.
POLL: How many points per game will LSU average in 2026?
Conclusion — what comes next
The running back room now blends a likely lead candidate in Dilin Jones (an opinion based on size and background), proven returners in Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, and several portal additions who create depth and competition. Final roles will be decided in camp and early-season rotation choices, so readers should treat early projections as informed opinions rather than guarantees.
Expect the staff to reward consistent practice performance and to build packages that exploit matchup advantages — which means several backs could have meaningful opportunities in 2026 depending on health, form and how the offense comes together under Kiffin (per Dandy Don).
Source: Dandy Don’s LSU Sporting News (statistics and roster notes cited above are drawn from Dandy Don’s reporting). All predictions in this piece are opinions informed by that reporting and the public roster information; they are not official team announcements.
