LSU Football Spring Camp Sees Newcomers Emerge as Kiffin Builds Momentum

Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers are seeing new faces make an impact as spring practices continue in Baton Rouge.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in LSU's team colors depicting fragmented, overlapping scenes of a college football practice, capturing the energy and movement of the players and coaches.LSU's spring camp showcases the program's evolving identity under new leadership, as the Tigers work to integrate new talent and build momentum ahead of the upcoming season.Baton Rouge Today

As LSU football wraps up another day of spring camp, head coach Lane Kiffin is seeing newcomers like Wisconsin transfer running back Dilin Jones make a strong push for playing time. Meanwhile, the defense is dealing with the absence of projected starting safety Tamarcus Cooley, while Ole Miss transfer wide receiver Winnie Watkins continues to impress and solidify his role as a top target for the Tigers' offense.

Why it matters

LSU is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to the upper echelon of college football. Kiffin's ability to quickly integrate new talent and build momentum in spring practice will be crucial as the Tigers aim to reclaim their status as an SEC and national power.

The details

Dilin Jones, a transfer running back from Wisconsin, has emerged as a standout in spring camp, taking reps with the first-team offense and pushing incumbent starters Harlem Berry and Caden Durham. Head coach Lane Kiffin praised Jones' vision, footwork, and ability to make plays, calling him a "bright spot" for the offense. Meanwhile, the defense is dealing with the absence of projected starting safety Tamarcus Cooley, with Jhase Thomas filling in during practice. On the offensive side, Ole Miss transfer Winnie Watkins continues to impress, making several big plays and solidifying his status as a top target for the Tigers' passing attack.

  • LSU wrapped up another day of spring camp on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Tigers will return to action on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for a scrimmage in Death Valley as spring camp winds down.

The players

Lane Kiffin

The head coach of the LSU Tigers, who is working to build momentum and integrate new talent during spring practice.

Dilin Jones

A transfer running back from Wisconsin who has emerged as a standout in LSU's spring camp, taking reps with the first-team offense.

Tamarcus Cooley

A projected starting safety for the LSU Tigers who was absent from practice on Thursday, with Jhase Thomas filling in at the position.

Winnie Watkins

An Ole Miss transfer wide receiver who has continued to impress in LSU's spring camp, making several big plays and solidifying his status as a top target for the Tigers' passing attack.

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What they’re saying

“Things don't happen overnight. It takes a lot of work to get a program up to an elite performing program level. So we're making some first steps, but there's a ton of work to do. Like I said before, we've assembled a good roster.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Coach, LSU Tigers

“Yeah. It's a good observation. He looks really good. Has come in and been good in protection, been good in his vision, his feet, running the ball, and has been really a bright spot. Like I said, offensively, we've struggled to find those and again the tackling part is a difference in that position specifically.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Coach, LSU Tigers

What’s next

The LSU Tigers will return to action on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for a scrimmage in Death Valley as spring camp winds down in Baton Rouge.

The takeaway

LSU's spring camp has seen the emergence of several new faces, including transfer running back Dilin Jones and wide receiver Winnie Watkins, as the Tigers look to build momentum under head coach Lane Kiffin. While the defense is dealing with some absences, the offense appears to be making strides, setting the stage for an intriguing scrimmage as spring practice comes to a close.