LSU football retained both of its top ball carriers from 2025. Caden Durham and Harlem Berry decided to don the purple and gold during the first year of the Lane Kiffin era. The Tigers also added Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones, who made the running back room more competitive. "Dilin's done great," Kiffin said. "[He] really has had a great week too, and it's kind of taken off from where he did in the spring, so we're really pleased with that." Jones came to LSU after two years at Wisconsin. He started the Badgers' first seven games in 2025 as a sophomore before an injury ended his season. He finished with 76 carries for 300 yards and two touchdowns while also contributing in the pass game. LSU struggled to establish its ground game last year, but it will look to improve behind an experienced group of three and a retooled offensive line. Durham and Berry combined for 969 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 2025. Kiffin likes that both have multiple years of eligibility left and have shown a strong work ethic so far. "They still have a lot of work to go and can improve," Kiffin said. "We're pleased with where they're at now, but we want to push them more."
Jones emerging as LSU's RB1 is somewhat of a surprise. When Berry announced his return, many thought the former five-star would get the bulk of the carries. But Kiffin and Co. have a strong record when it comes to scouting running backs on the transfer market -- Kewan Lacy emerged as a star at Ole Miss in 2025 after arriving as an unknown quantity. This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Lane Kiffin talks progress of LSU football running back room