Lane Kiffin made a strong move to bolster LSU’s coaching staff, bringing in Kevin Smith as the Tigers’ new running backs coach - and it’s already paying dividends. Smith, who has worked under Kiffin at both Ole Miss and Florida Atlantic, has built a reputation for developing elite backfield talent.
Names like Quinshon Judkins and Kewan Lacy stand out as proof of his track record. Now, LSU fans are hoping he can bring that same magic to Baton Rouge - and all eyes are on what he can do with freshman standout Harlem Berry.
Smith wasted no time getting to work. On his very first day on the job, he met with Berry, LSU’s prized young running back and a former five-star recruit.
That meeting wasn’t just a courtesy call - it was a critical step in LSU’s effort to keep Berry in purple and gold for 2026. Berry flashed serious potential in his freshman season, and his return could be the difference between another year of backfield struggles or a resurgence of the Tigers’ ground game.
Make no mistake: retaining Berry is priority No. 1 for Smith. Berry came into LSU as the top-ranked running back in the 2025 class, per the Rivals Industry Ranking, and he showed glimpses of why all season long.
Though he didn’t get consistent touches early in the year, his role grew steadily down the stretch - and so did his production. He finished the regular season with 446 rushing yards, just behind sophomore Caden Durham, who led the team with 505.
That’s where Smith comes in. LSU’s rushing attack was a clear weak spot in 2025, finishing last in the SEC with just 106.3 rushing yards per game.
It’s a number that simply won’t cut it in the SEC, and Smith’s job is to change that narrative - fast. His ability to develop backs and maximize their skill sets is well-documented, and pairing that with Berry’s natural talent could be a game-changer for the Tigers.
Berry and his father also met with LSU general manager Billy Glasscock over the weekend, signaling that the program is fully engaged in keeping the young star on board. While nothing is official yet regarding Berry’s plans for 2026, the groundwork is being laid. Smith’s presence, combined with a clear vision for Berry’s role in the offense, could be the key to keeping him in Baton Rouge.
If LSU can get Berry back and let Smith go to work, the Tigers might finally have the foundation they need to rebuild a rushing attack that’s been missing in action. It’s early, but there’s real potential here - and Tiger fans have every reason to be optimistic.