LSU football depth chart: Forecasting the running back room for the Tigers in 2025
LSU Football Depth Chart: Forecasting the Running Back Room for the Tigers in 2025
As the LSU Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, one of the most intriguing position groups to watch is the running back room. LSU has long been known for its powerful and dynamic running backs, with legendary players like Fournette, Hilliard, and Guice leading the way in the past. As the 2025 season approaches, the running back room at LSU is stacked with talent, and there are several key storylines that will shape the depth chart.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at LSU’s running back room heading into 2025. We’ll analyze the returning players, the incoming recruits, and the competition for playing time in a room that promises to have depth, talent, and versatility. Whether it’s the returning experience of established players, or the excitement surrounding younger, high-ceiling talents, the 2025 LSU running back room could be one of the most dynamic in the SEC.
Returning Players: Building on Experience
LSU enters the 2025 season with several key players in the running back room who are returning after solid contributions in previous seasons. These players will bring valuable experience and skill to the group, providing a strong foundation for the Tigers as they look to contend for an SEC title and beyond.
1. John Emery Jr. – Senior (RB)
John Emery Jr. has been a fixture in the LSU backfield since 2020, though his career has been marked by inconsistency and injury setbacks. However, as the Tigers prepare for 2025, Emery enters his senior season with a chance to leave a lasting legacy in Baton Rouge. Known for his explosive speed and quickness, Emery has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully realize his potential as the Tigers’ workhorse back.
In 2024, Emery posted solid numbers in limited action, rushing for over 700 yards and five touchdowns, and he displayed his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Heading into 2025, Emery will look to build on these efforts and become a more consistent, reliable player for LSU.
Strengths:
- Explosive burst and breakaway speed
- Great vision and ability to read blocks
- Capable pass catcher out of the backfield
Concerns:
- Injuries have limited his development
- Has struggled with consistency at times
In 2025, Emery will be expected to take on a more prominent role in the offense, particularly as LSU looks to have a balanced attack between the run and pass. If Emery can stay healthy and continue to progress, he could be the leader of the LSU running back room, a critical piece of LSU’s SEC title hopes.
2. Josh Williams – Senior (RB)
Josh Williams is another experienced player in LSU’s running back room who will be a key contributor in 2025. A steady and reliable presence, Williams has proven to be a dependable backup and change-of-pace back for the Tigers in previous seasons. While he may not have the explosive playmaking ability of some of the other backs in the room, Williams brings toughness, leadership, and a solid understanding of LSU’s offensive system.
In 2024, Williams was known for his ability to keep the chains moving, posting a solid 500-yard season on the ground while also contributing in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles makes him a great complement to more dynamic backs.
Strengths:
- Tough and hard-nosed runner between the tackles
- Strong in short-yardage situations
- Reliable pass protector
Concerns:
- Lacks elite breakaway speed
- Not as explosive as other options in the backfield
In 2025, Williams will likely assume a supporting role in the LSU backfield but could still see plenty of playing time, particularly in situational situations and when the Tigers need to wear down opposing defenses. His leadership and consistency will be crucial to LSU’s running game.
3. Armoni Goodwin – Junior (RB)
Armoni Goodwin is a player who has quietly developed into one of the more promising backs in LSU’s running back room. After spending time as a rotational player in his first two seasons, Goodwin is poised for a breakout year in 2025. His combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a tough matchup for opposing defenses, and his versatility will be a key asset for LSU as they look to keep opposing defenses off balance.
Goodwin’s development in the passing game is one area that sets him apart from other backs on the roster. In 2024, he showed the ability to contribute in the screen game and as a route runner out of the backfield. His pass-catching ability will allow LSU to use him in multiple facets of the offense.
Strengths:
- Strong, downhill runner with a good stiff arm
- Good pass-catching ability
- Quick and decisive in finding holes
Concerns:
- Can be prone to fumbling
- Needs to improve blocking in pass protection
Goodwin will enter 2025 with high expectations, and if he can continue to improve in all areas of his game, he has the potential to become one of the top backs in the SEC.
Incoming Recruits: Fresh Blood for the Backfield
While LSU’s running back room is filled with talented returning players, the addition of fresh talent could make the position even more dynamic. The Tigers have a history of signing elite running back recruits, and 2025 is no exception. LSU’s coaching staff has made sure to bring in young talent that can compete immediately and add depth to the position.
4. Trey Holley – Freshman (RB)
One of the most exciting recruits for LSU in the 2025 class is Trey Holley, a highly touted running back from Louisiana. Holley is a dynamic, well-rounded back who has the potential to make an immediate impact for LSU. As one of the top-ranked running backs in the country, Holley brings a unique skill set to the Tigers’ offense, including excellent vision, quickness, and the ability to break tackles in the open field.
Holley is known for his versatility as both a ball carrier and a receiver out of the backfield. He has the type of agility that allows him to make defenders miss in space, and he also has the strength to power through tacklers when needed. Holley’s arrival provides LSU with an influx of youthful energy and a high ceiling for development.
Strengths:
- Exceptional agility and burst
- Great vision and patience behind the line
- Excellent receiving ability for a running back
Concerns:
- Needs to adjust to the physicality of the SEC
- May need to improve in pass protection
Holley could quickly earn significant playing time in 2025, especially in an offensive system that relies on multiple running backs. If Holley proves capable of adjusting to the speed of college football early on, he could become a star in LSU’s backfield.
5. Kaleb Jackson – Freshman (RB)
Another highly anticipated freshman in the 2025 class is Kaleb Jackson, a versatile running back from Texas. Jackson is a powerful back with an impressive combination of size and speed, making him a difficult player for defenders to bring down. Standing at 6’0” and weighing 220 pounds, Jackson has the physical attributes of an every-down back, capable of handling a heavy workload in the SEC.
Jackson is known for his aggressive running style and has the ability to break tackles with ease. His power running makes him an ideal candidate for short-yardage situations, but he also has the speed to break off long runs when given the chance. LSU will look to develop Jackson into a complete back who can contribute in all phases of the game.
Strengths:
- Powerful runner with excellent balance
- Strong burst for his size
- Tough and relentless on contact
Concerns:
- Needs to refine his pass-catching ability
- Must develop his blocking skills
Jackson’s skill set suggests he could find early success as a complementary piece to LSU’s more seasoned backs, but with his talent, he could quickly emerge as a primary ball carrier if given the chance.
The Running Back Rotation in 2025: A Balanced Approach
Looking ahead to 2025, LSU’s running back room seems to be in great shape. With a mix of experienced players and highly talented freshmen, the Tigers have the depth and versatility to field a strong running back committee. It’s clear that LSU will use a rotation of backs to keep the offense fresh and to exploit matchups against opponents.
The projected depth chart for LSU’s running back group in 2025 could look something like this:
- John Emery Jr. – Senior (RB)
- Armoni Goodwin – Junior (RB)
- Trey Holley – Freshman (RB)
- Josh Williams – Senior (RB)
- Kaleb Jackson – Freshman (RB)
This rotation allows LSU to maintain a dynamic running game, with multiple backs capable of making big plays. Emery and Goodwin, with their experience, will likely be the top two options, while Holley and Jackson will provide youthful energy and a potential spark when needed.
