Lane Kiffin has once again shown his prowess in navigating the NCAA Transfer Portal, not just by recruiting new talent but by bringing back key players. After a stellar stint at Ole Miss, where he secured the top class before the 2024 season, Kiffin continues to impress at LSU with the top class of 2026.
One standout move was re-recruiting Sam Leavitt, the No. 1 quarterback and overall portal player, who seemed set to head elsewhere after a visit to LSU. Kiffin also managed to retain Caden Durham, LSU’s leading rusher in 2024 and 2025, who had entered the portal but decided to return for another season.
Durham, a dynamic 5-foot-9, 205-pound back, led LSU with 505 rushing yards in 2025 despite an ankle injury. His 2024 season was equally impressive, with 753 rushing yards and a knack for catching passes, showcasing his versatility.
Joining Durham in the backfield competition is sophomore Harlem Berry, a highly touted recruit from St. Martin’s High in Metairie.
Berry, who rushed for 491 yards in 2025, started the last six games of the season and is poised to challenge Durham for the starting role. Berry’s connection with former interim coach Frank Wilson, who recruited him early on, adds an interesting layer to the narrative.
Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones also enters the mix. At 6-foot, 208 pounds, Jones showed promise at Wisconsin before a turf toe injury cut his season short. His performances against Michigan and Iowa highlighted his potential, making him a valuable addition to the Tigers’ roster.
Adding depth to the running back room, Kiffin signed Raycine Guillory from Utah, a promising talent with a strong high school career at Aledo High in Fort Worth, Texas. Guillory’s high school stats reveal his potential to make an impact at LSU.
Stacy Gage from Central Florida and Rod Gainey Jr. from Charlotte round out the new additions. Gage, a former standout at St. Thomas Aquinas High, and Gainey, a Tampa Bay Tech product, both bring unique skills to the Tigers’ lineup.
As spring football kicks off, LSU fans are eager to see how this revamped roster will shape up. With Kiffin at the helm and a blend of returning talent and fresh faces, LSU’s running game could be the strongest it’s been since 2019. The competition is fierce, and the anticipation is high for what promises to be an exciting season.