LSU is making a significant effort to keep running back Caden Durham in Baton Rouge after he entered the NCAA transfer portal. According to the report attributed to Matt Zenitz, LSU is working with Durham in an attempt to convince him to withdraw his name from the portal, with a meeting between the player and the program scheduled for today.
The development is important for LSU because Durham remains one of the most talented backs on the Tigers’ roster. His potential departure would create another major question in a running back room that has already experienced considerable offseason movement.
Durham originally became a major contributor as a freshman in 2024. LSU’s official game notes show just how productive he was that season. He led the Tigers with 753 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 140 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. He also caught 28 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns.
His explosive ability was particularly valuable. Durham recorded two 100-yard rushing performances in 2024, including a 128-yard outing against South Alabama and 101 yards with three touchdowns against Arkansas. He also produced 98 rushing yards and two scores against South Carolina.
That production made him one of the most intriguing young running backs in the SEC.
Why LSU wants him back
For new head coach Lane Kiffin, retaining Durham would provide valuable experience and depth at a position that is crucial to the offensive system he wants to build.
LSU already has exciting young talent in the running back room, including Harlem Berry, but Durham brings a different level of experience and proven production. Keeping him would give the Tigers another established option capable of contributing both as a runner and receiver.
The situation also demonstrates how important roster retention has become in the transfer-portal era. A player entering the portal does not necessarily mean his relationship with the program is finished. LSU appears determined to find a way to keep Durham before he ultimately commits elsewhere.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Durham’s future has become a major LSU storyline. Earlier in the offseason, reports indicated that he had entered the portal, but subsequent reporting confirmed that LSU was able to convince him to return. On3 later reported that Durham withdrew from the portal after meeting with LSU and running backs coach Kevin Smith.
What happens next?
The meeting could therefore become another important moment for LSU’s 2026 roster. If Durham decides to remain, the Tigers would retain a proven SEC-level running back and add valuable depth to an offense undergoing significant changes under Kiffin.
If he ultimately chooses to leave, LSU would need to lean more heavily on its other backs and potentially continue evaluating roster options.
For now, the key message is clear: LSU wants Caden Durham back, and the program is actively working to make that happen. The outcome of today’s meeting could have meaningful consequences for the Tigers’ running game heading into the 2026 season.
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