Right before the transfer portal is set to open, Lane Kiffin has made sure that one of LSU's key playmakers isn't going anywhere. Running back Harlem Berry has officially agreed to return to Baton Rouge for his sophomore season.
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Berry came to LSU as a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 running back prospect in the country. He put together a strong 2025 season as a true freshman, and has an extremely bright future ahead. Getting him back is a massive win for Kiffin and the Tigers.
BREAKING: @HarlemBerry25 confirms with @tigerbaitcom that he has signed a deal to return to #LSU in 2026.
— Preston Guy (@PGuy77) December 31, 2025
HUGE keep for @Lane_Kiffin! pic.twitter.com/gKrtgrKQ4r
Harlem Berry returning to LSU for sophomore season
Sophomore Caden Durham led LSU in rushing during the regular season with 505 yards. But Berry wasn't far behind with 491 yards of his own. The freshman tailback didn't see consistent snaps during the first half of the season, but saw most of the action in LSU's backfield down the stretch.
Berry 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 had 3 rushes for 30+ yards on the season, most recenlty bursting through for a 36-yard rush in the Texas Bowl against Houston. Now with some experience under his belt, the New Orleans native figures to take on a bigger role in his second season at LSU.
New LSU running backs coach Kevin Smith s 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. Smith met with Berry immediately after being hired at LSU, making it clear that bringing Berry back was a top priority.
Getting Berry back is a win, but now Kiffin, Smith, and offensive line coach Eric Wolford must prioritize re-vamping the Tiger offensive line. Tiger fans are eager to see a much-improved rushing attack next season.