What is the running back rotation for LSU football, according to early predictions?

As the 2025 LSU football season looms, one of the most intriguing storylines for the Tigers will be the development and utilization of their running back rotation. Historically, LSU has been known for producing powerhouse running backs, from Leonard Fournette to Derrius Guice to Clyde Edwards-Helaire. With this tradition in mind, the 2025 season promises to continue LSU’s reputation as a team that can dominate on the ground.

Under head coach Brian Kelly, the LSU Tigers are building a well-rounded offense that strikes a balance between explosive passing and a ground game capable of controlling the clock and wearing down opposing defenses. In the SEC, where physicality and toughness are essential, the ability to establish a strong running game will be crucial for LSU’s success in 2025. With several talented running backs on the roster, the running back rotation is one of the areas to watch closely as the season progresses.

The Running Back Room: A Deep and Talented Group

As of early 2025, LSU boasts a running back room brimming with potential and competition. The depth of talent is one of the team’s strengths heading into the season, with multiple players capable of carrying the load. This competition ensures that the coaching staff will have options throughout the season, depending on the opponent and the game situation. In addition to the returning players, LSU also has a few incoming freshmen who could make an impact early.

Here’s a breakdown of the players expected to make up LSU’s running back rotation in 2025:

1. Josh Williams: The Seasoned Veteran

Josh Williams enters the 2025 season as one of the most experienced members of LSU’s running back corps. As a veteran of the program, Williams has spent several years honing his craft and understanding the nuances of LSU’s offensive system. His blend of power and speed has made him a reliable option in the backfield for the Tigers.

Williams has shown a knack for making plays in crucial moments, whether it’s grinding out tough yards between the tackles or breaking off a big run when the team needs it most. While he may not be the most explosive back in terms of top-end speed, his vision and ability to read blocks make him a consistent and valuable contributor.

In 2025, Williams is likely to be a key figure in LSU’s rotation, particularly in short-yardage situations and between-the-tackles running. His leadership and experience will be crucial in helping to mentor younger players and provide a steadying presence in the backfield. Williams has shown the ability to be a bell-cow back, but the Tigers may utilize him in a more situational role this season, depending on the matchups.

2. Noah Cain: A Powerful Option with Big Play Potential

Noah Cain is a name that has caught the attention of LSU fans since his arrival in Baton Rouge. A transfer from Penn State, Cain has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, demonstrating both power and agility as a back. At 6 feet tall and 220 pounds, Cain is a physical runner with the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. He excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his power running style can wear down defenses.

Cain’s ability to power through defenders while maintaining balance and breaking off big runs makes him an intriguing option for LSU in 2025. He provides a different dimension than Williams, as Cain is capable of being a true workhorse back who can handle a heavy workload. In addition to his physicality, Cain has solid hands out of the backfield and could be used in passing situations as well.

In LSU’s running back rotation, Cain is expected to see significant playing time, particularly in situations where the Tigers need to impose their will on opposing defenses. He is likely to be featured prominently in goal-line and red-zone situations, where his ability to punch through defenders can be an asset. Cain could also be used on early downs to establish a strong running game.

3. John Emery Jr.: The Talented but Unpredictable Wildcard

John Emery Jr. is a player who has shown immense potential during his time at LSU, but his career has been marred by inconsistency and eligibility issues. When Emery is on his game, he has the potential to be one of the most explosive running backs in college football. His speed, vision, and acceleration make him a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. However, his inability to stay on the field consistently has been a major hurdle.

Heading into 2025, Emery will be looking to put everything together and live up to his full potential. If he can stay healthy and focused, Emery has the skill set to be the feature back in LSU’s offense, providing both explosiveness in the running game and a threat in the passing game. His ability to break long runs and provide a spark for the offense will be essential for LSU’s success this season.

However, LSU’s coaching staff will need to carefully manage Emery’s workload. He is a dynamic player, but his injury history and inconsistency could lead to him being used more situationally in the rotation. Expect Emery to be utilized as a change-of-pace back who can provide a spark when the offense needs it most. If he stays healthy and avoids the off-field issues that have plagued him in the past, Emery could become a major contributor for the Tigers in 2025.

4. Armoni Goodwin: The Up-and-Coming Sophomore

Armoni Goodwin is another running back who has the potential to make a significant impact in 2025. As a sophomore, Goodwin has already shown flashes of brilliance, particularly as a true freshman. He is known for his burst and acceleration, and his ability to find the hole and make defenders miss is one of his biggest assets. At 5’10” and 200 pounds, Goodwin is a compact back with a low center of gravity, which allows him to break tackles and power through would-be tacklers.

Goodwin’s versatility and elusiveness make him an ideal candidate for a rotational role in LSU’s offense. He has the potential to be used in a variety of ways, from running between the tackles to catching passes out of the backfield. In 2025, LSU will likely continue to develop Goodwin’s game, and he could emerge as a significant contributor in the running back rotation.

Given his ability to change direction quickly and accelerate past defenders, Goodwin could provide a dynamic complement to the power backs like Cain and Williams. His agility and speed will allow him to be used in various situations, including third-down and pass-catching scenarios. Goodwin may not be the feature back, but he will likely see an uptick in touches as the season progresses.

5. Freshmen Impact: The New Faces

One of the most exciting aspects of LSU’s running back rotation heading into 2025 is the incoming freshman talent. While LSU has a loaded group of returners, the addition of talented freshmen could add a new dimension to the offense. LSU’s recruiting class includes highly-rated running back recruits who will look to make an immediate impact.

Among the freshmen, a few names stand out as potential contributors. With the depth of the roster, LSU’s coaching staff may opt to ease these freshmen into the rotation, providing them with opportunities in non-conference games and later in the season as their experience grows. The freshmen will also have the opportunity to learn from veterans like Williams, Cain, and Emery, which will help their development.

If these freshmen prove themselves capable in practice and can adapt quickly to the college game, they could earn meaningful playing time in the rotation. The infusion of new talent is always exciting for LSU fans, and the competition for carries will only strengthen the running back room as a whole.

Rotation Strategy: Balancing Workloads

Heading into 2025, LSU’s coaching staff will likely utilize a running back rotation to keep players fresh throughout the long SEC season. With so many talented players in the backfield, there is no need to rely on just one player to carry the load. The Tigers will likely rotate their backs based on game situations, opponent weaknesses, and matchups. For example, Cain may be the preferred option in short-yardage or goal-line situations, while Goodwin and Emery may be utilized on third downs or in passing situations.

A rotation also allows LSU to keep its running backs fresh and avoid overloading any one player. Given the physical nature of the SEC, having multiple capable running backs will be crucial for LSU’s success in 2025. The depth of the backfield also gives the Tigers flexibility, allowing them to adjust to different game scenarios and opponent strategies.