Latest LSU coaching news could give them the inside track to stealing away one of the best offensive weapons in CFB
LSU coaching victory could be foreshadowing some great news on the horizon.
Once upon a time, former UCF running back Kevin Smith was one of the most highly decorated runners in college football history. After being selected with a third round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Smith spent five seasons in the NFL. After the 2012 seasons, Smith was out of football for a couple of years until he began his coaching career back at his Alma Mater.
From there, Smith has slowly developed into one of the very best running back coaches in the country. The LSU Tigers just stole him away from the Ole Miss Rebels, coming over to Baton Rouge to join head coach Lane Kiffin’s first coaching staff. It is a massive hire from Kiffin, and it could pay immediate dividends once the transfer portal opens on January 2.
While nothing has been decided or announced, there is an expectation that Ole Miss star running back Kewan Lacy could be a very attractive option to enter following the team’s playoff run. In the world of the portal and NIL, roster turnover is inevitable, especially when there are coaching changes. If Lacy does opt to see what other options are out there, you can bet that LSU will have heavy interest.
Heading into the 2025 season, his first with the Rebels program, Lacy wasn’t a name that was on the radar as a breakout star. He has become a revelation so far this season, having a very strong argument as one of the very best running backs anywhere. In 13 games, Lacy has rushed for 1,366 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Whether Lacy ends up sticking with the Rebels or eventually ends up back with Smith and Kiffin, he has a chance to become the best running back in college football next season. He’s that talented of a player.
Kewan Lacy’s background
When Lacy came out of Lancaster (Texas) High School in the 2024 recruiting class, his rankings were a bit all over the place. Despite some rating him as a three-star player, Lacy still ranked inside the top-200 players on the 247 Sports Composite ranking. He ended up pegged as the No. 178 overall player, the No. 15 running back, and the No. 31 player from the state of Texas for the class.
The 5-11, 210-pound runner opted for the Missouri Tigers originally, where he spent his freshman year in 2024. Lacy chose Missouri over a long list of impressive offers. Some of his other options coming out included Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Penn State, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Florida, Miami, Florida State, Nebraska, Arkansas, Arizona State, Boston College, Indiana, Michigan State, Houston, Baylor, Cincinnati, Colorado, Utah, UCF, Georgia Tech, Cal, TCU, and Purdue, among others.
Lacy spent just one season with the Tigers in 2024. He ended that lone year with 23 carries for 104 yards, as well as two receptions for nine yards. Nobody knew exactly what to expect from Lacy in his first season in Columbia. Needless to say, he exceeded the expectations from most Missouri fans.
LSU Tigers News
LSU Tigers transfer portal tracker: Who has transferred in and out of the Lane Kiffin’s 2026 roster?
LSU Tigers transfer portal tracker: Who has transferred in and out of the Lane Kiffin’s 2026 roster?
