LSU added another piece to its offensive puzzle on Saturday, securing a commitment from UCF transfer running back Stacy Gage. The move gives the Tigers six scholarship backs heading into the 2026 season - a notable shift from last year’s thinner rotation.
Gage, a former freshman at UCF, saw limited action in his first season, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown. But what he brings to LSU isn’t just a stat line - it’s long-term potential.
With multiple years of eligibility left, Gage fits the mold of what this coaching staff has been targeting: young, developmental talent with time to grow in the system. LSU has been aggressive in the transfer portal, and this addition pushes them closer to the 40-man mark in portal pickups, many of whom are built for the long haul rather than short-term fixes.
Last season, the Tigers leaned heavily on Harlem Berry and Caden Durham, with Ju’Juan Johnson and Kaleb Jackson offering spot duty. It was a top-heavy group that showed flashes but lacked depth, particularly as the grind of the season wore on.
That won’t be the case in 2026. While Berry and Durham remain the headliners, LSU has restocked the room with a mix of transfers and young players who could push for playing time.
Among the new faces, Dilin Jones stands out. The Wisconsin transfer was the Badgers’ No. 2 back in 2025, logging 300 yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Jones showed he could produce against elite defenses - rushing for 63 yards and a score against Michigan, then following it up with 69 yards versus Iowa’s notoriously stingy front.
Earlier in the season, he averaged five yards per touch against Alabama. That kind of résumé matters.
He’s not just a depth piece - he’s someone who’s gone toe-to-toe with top-tier competition and held his own.
Raycine Guillory and Rod Gainey also join the mix. Guillory has some history with Lane Kiffin and the staff from their Ole Miss days, so there’s a level of familiarity with what he brings to the table.
Gainey, meanwhile, comes over from Charlotte after rushing for 260 yards and a touchdown last season. Like Gage, both Guillory and Gainey arrive with multiple years of eligibility, giving LSU flexibility and developmental upside.
Gage fits right into that blueprint. He may not have the experience yet, but the Tigers are betting on traits and system fit.
And that’s where Kiffin and running backs coach Kevin Smith have made their money before - finding value in players who might not have made headlines elsewhere but can thrive in the right environment. LSU doesn’t need all of these backs to hit - but they’ll need at least one or two to emerge as reliable contributors behind Berry and Durham.
Still, the heart of this running back room remains Berry and Durham. The 2026 offense will go as far as those two can take it.
Berry, in particular, needs to tighten up his ball security as he steps into a heavier workload. He’s got the burst and vision, but protecting the football will be critical if he’s going to be the bell cow.
Durham, on the other hand, has shown flashes of explosiveness, but consistency and durability have been hurdles. He’s battled nagging injuries in both of his seasons at LSU, and staying healthy will be key if he wants to take that next step.
Another wrinkle to watch: the mobility of quarterback Sam Leavitt and the dual-threat QBs LSU has brought in. That element has been missing from the Tigers' offense in recent years, but it could make a big difference in 2026. A quarterback who can move changes the math for defenses and opens up lanes for the backs - especially in Kiffin’s scheme, which thrives on spacing and misdirection.
Bottom line: this running back room is deeper, more versatile, and built with the future in mind. The Tigers aren’t just looking for bodies - they’re looking for the right fits.
And if internal development meets scheme efficiency, this group has a chance to take a real step forward. Whether it’s a breakout from a transfer, a leap from Berry or Durham, or a surprise name rising in spring ball, LSU’s ground game is setting up to be a storyline worth watching in 2026.