Examining the Running Back Room of LSU Football Ahead of the 2024–2025 Season

The most difficult item for LSU to replace coming into the season from 2023 was the rushing output that Jayden Daniels provided the club. The remainder of the team’s lackluster running offense was concealed by Daniels’ skill, which helped the Tigers keep opponents off-balance. With Garrett Nussmeier starting at quarterback now, LSU’s remaining four running backs will need to perform well if they hope to go to the College Football Playoffs. Although the ensemble lacks a true bell-cow back and beginning experience, their talent is evident.

The Beginning: Josh Williams, a recent graduate

Two players from the 2019 National Championship team are still with the LSU football team; they are both in the running back room. Over the previous four seasons, Williams has been a reliable player, but this year, he will be counted on to lead the club in rushing. Williams ran for 284 yards and five touchdowns on 55 carries during the previous season. The ability to block passes is one of Williams’s strengths that adds so much value to his game.

His receiving prowess, demonstrated by his touchdowns versus Auburn via the air and ground, offers LSU great cause for celebration. Although LSU would want greater consistency overall, Williams should undoubtedly advance this season.

Jackson, Kaleb – sophomore

Due to LSU’s injuries, Jackson was able to gain some extremely useful experience as a true freshman by playing in all but two games at running back. Jackson added 53 more receiving yards to his season total of 165 yards and four touchdowns. Jackson’s brutal running style will be crucial for LSU in 2024 since the Tigers need to replace a ton of rushing production. LSU will have no problems at all in the running back room if they can score more runs similar to the one that Jackson scored against Mississippi State.

The Rotational Players: First-year Caden Durham

Caden Durham, a true freshman, is a major asset to the offense and a reason for great excitement for LSU supporters. Durham joins LSU after dominating at Duncanville, where he scored three touchdowns and helped the team win a state championship with elite recruits Dakorien Moore and Keelon Russell. Durham was the 103rd-best player overall and the class’s fifth-ranked running back when he was a recruit.

When Caden Durham is on the field, the LSU football team is receiving top speed. Durham will have the chance to obtain valuable experience this season, and by 2025, he should be a major contributor to the offense.

John Emery Jr., a senior redshirt

After using the transfer portal in the spring, John Emery Jr. returned to LSU, giving the football team much-needed depth in the running back area. Emery has only started five games in his five seasons at LSU due to ailments that have hindered his career.

Since there are many younger running backs in the LSU running back room, Emery Jr.’s expertise will be invaluable to this club. At quarterback, Emery Jr.’s superb pass protection will be extremely beneficial, especially with a pocket passer like Garrett Nussmeier. Returning Emery to school provides LSU with much-needed depth instead of starting the season with three running backs, but it won’t be the X Factor that turns the Tigers into a national championship team.