Ole Miss supporters watched Lane Kiffin deliver elite recruiting success for years, and now LSU fans are set to reap those same benefits. Since arriving in Baton Rouge, he has already made a major impact in the Early Signing Period, landing multiple five-star prospects for the Tigers’ 2026 recruiting class.
Kiffin is known as the “Portal King,” and he is also expected to pull off several headline-grabbing transfer additions that could significantly strengthen LSU’s 2026 roster.
LSU Could Reload Offensively if Lane Kiffin Secures a 23-TD Transfer RB
North Texas emerged as one of college football’s biggest surprises this season by setting a program record with 12 wins, and much of that success was fueled by running back Caleb Hawkins. After this breakout year, Hawkins is now looking to capitalize on his rise by entering the transfer portal in pursuit of bigger opportunities.
Hawkins quickly became one of the most sought-after players in the portal, with PFSN’s Ryan Guthrie naming LSU as a prime potential destination.
“LSU’s need at running back is impossible to ignore,” Guthrie wrote. “Over the past two seasons, the Tigers have struggled on the ground, averaging just 106.25 rushing yards per game in 2025, ranking 122nd nationally and making their run game one of the weakest in the country.
“With Lane Kiffin now in Baton Rouge, offensive talent is the priority, and Hawkins would immediately fill the bell-cow role LSU has been missing. Elite NIL resources, national exposure, and a clear path to being the focal point make LSU a serious contender.”
Hawkins led the nation with 23 rushing touchdowns, piled up 1,236 rushing yards, and added 345 yards as a receiver. The true freshman capped his season with a dominant showing in the New Mexico Bowl, rushing for 198 yards and accounting for three total touchdowns in a 49-47 win over San Diego State, earning Offensive MVP honors.
Hawkins’ magnificent campaign also brought major recognition, including AAC Rookie of the Year, Walter Camp second-team All-American, first-team all-conference, and True Freshman All-American honors from On3. He also recorded an 89.2 PFSN Running Back Impact grade, ranking ninth nationally.
Hawkins’ rise is another example of a lightly recruited prospect blossoming at the college level. He entered college as a three-star recruit from North Rock Creek High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
LSU seems to be a natural fit given its urgent need to reestablish a productive run game, and Kiffin has the financial backing to pursue elite portal talent like Hawkins.
“There’s a great plan here of how we can come together with what we bring and with what players around the country want to play for us and our systems, and then have that support to do that, so that they want to play for us and they get taken care of financially,” Kiffin said on Dec. 1.
The Tigers wrapped up their 2025 season with a narrow 38–35 loss to Houston in the Texas Bowl on Saturday.
