Wisconsin Transfer RB Emerges as Lead Back in LSU Spring Camp

Dilin Jones impresses Lane Kiffin and Tigers coaching staff with quick rise up depth chart

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a college football running back, with sharp planes of LSU purple and gold.A cubist interpretation of an LSU running back's explosive movements, capturing the dynamic energy of the Tigers' backfield.Ann Arbor Today

Wisconsin transfer running back Dilin Jones has emerged as a potential lead back for the LSU Tigers during spring camp, quickly rising up the depth chart and earning praise from head coach Lane Kiffin. The 5-foot-11, 211-pound Jones spent two seasons with the Badgers before a foot injury cut his 2025 campaign short, but he is now making the most of his opportunity in Baton Rouge.

Why it matters

LSU has a talented running back room, but Jones is separating himself from the pack and making a strong case to be the Tigers' lead back in 2026. His ability to thrive in Kiffin's up-tempo offense could give the Tigers' offense a significant boost as they look to build on a strong 2025 season.

The details

Jones rushed for 388 yards and 2 touchdowns on 88 carries over his two seasons at Wisconsin, starting 7 games in 2025 before the foot injury. Now at LSU, he is impressing the coaching staff with his well-rounded skill set, including the ability to run, block, and catch out of the backfield. Despite the competition from talented backs like Harlem Berry and Caden Durham, Jones is emerging as the frontrunner to be the Tigers' lead back.

  • Jones spent two seasons at Wisconsin before transferring to LSU this offseason.
  • In 2025, Jones started 7 games for the Badgers before a foot injury ended his season prematurely.
  • Jones is currently in his first spring camp with the Tigers, where he has been taking reps with the first-team offense.

The players

Dilin Jones

A 5-foot-11, 211-pound running back who transferred from Wisconsin to LSU this offseason. Jones spent two seasons with the Badgers, rushing for 388 yards and 2 touchdowns on 88 carries before a foot injury cut his 2025 campaign short.

Lane Kiffin

The head coach of the LSU Tigers, who has overseen Jones' quick rise up the depth chart during spring camp.

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What they’re saying

“I really just had to keep my head down and grind. I mean, at Wisconsin, I only played a couple of games, ended up getting injured. I feel like I really had to keep my head down because they believed in me.”

— Dilin Jones, Running Back

“I feel like I can do it all. It's a tempo offense, so having to do a lot of substitutions will slow it down. I feel like I can stay in all four downs. I can pick up the blocks. I can run the ball. I can catch out the backfield. I just feel like my speed is also there.”

— Dilin Jones, Running Back

What’s next

Jones will look to continue impressing the coaching staff and cement his status as the lead back throughout the remainder of spring camp and into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Jones' quick rise up the depth chart at LSU is a testament to his talent and determination, as he looks to make the most of his opportunity with the Tigers after a injury-plagued stint at Wisconsin. His ability to thrive in Kiffin's up-tempo offense could make him a key piece of LSU's offense in 2026.