After such a disappointing 2025 season, LSU fans have high hopes for 2026 in Lane Kiffin's first season at the helm of the program. One major cause of concern for the Tigers this past season was the running game, which struggled early and often throughout the season. Looking ahead, the LSU rushing attack could look very different in 2026.
Former LSU offensive lineman Coen Echols has found a new SEC home
Last week, it was reported that LSU sophomore RB Caden Durham had decided to enter the transfer portal. Durham has been LSU's leading rusher over each of the last two seasons, while also being a formidable weapon in the Tiger passing game. He ends his LSU career with 1,258 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground to go along with 44 catches for 351 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the passing game.
Durham's departure from LSU means that Harlem Berry could be line to be LSU's RB1 in 2026.
LSU starting running back Caden Durham is entering the transfer portal, his agency @TeamIFA tells @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 3, 2026
Durham, who is repped by @blakebaratz, is a former top recruit who has posted 1,609 scrimmage yards the last two seasons. pic.twitter.com/NMTlj1FDlA
Harlem Berry set for increased role in LSU's offense
Kiffin secured a huge win when it was announced that Berry would be returning to LSU for his sophomore season on December 31. The electric playmaker came to LSU as a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 running back prospect in the country for the 2025 recruiting class. He put together a strong true freshman campaign in 2025, and has an extremely bright future ahead.
Durham paced the Tigers with 505 rushing yards this past season, but Berry wasn't far behind with 491 of his own. Berry didn't see consistent playing time early on in the season, but as Durham battled multiple injuries throughout the season, Berry saw increased opportunities. The talented freshman saw 10+ carries in 5 of his last 7 games this season, reaching the 50-yard mark in 5 of those games as well. He ended his freshman campaign with 492 rushing yards and 4.7 yards per carry to go along with 2 touchdowns.
New LSU running backs coach Kevin Smith is hoping to lead the Tigers to a much better rushing attack in 2026. This past season, LSU ranked dead last in the SEC by averaging just 106.3 rushing yards per game during the regular season. Bringing Berry back bodes well, but part of improving LSU's rushing attack involves re-vamping the offensive line. A total of 6 LSU offensive lineman decided to enter the transfer portal, which means Kiffin and new OL coach Eric Wolford have a lot of work to do.
Kiffin is still hard at work navigating the transfer portal, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him bring in another running back or two. However, given his strong showing in the second half of the 2025 season, Berry should be viewed as LSU's RB1 for 2026 at this time.