Despite coaching changes and portal threats, the LSU Tigers secured five-star RB Harlem Berry for his sophomore season.
It's weird that college athletics have gotten to a point where it is now news to have players not enter the transfer portal, but that is where things are, and the LSU Tigers got some great news before the end of 2025.
Early on New Year's Eve morning, the Tigers were able to breathe a sigh of relief as Matt Moscona of LouisianaSports.net reported that running back Harlem Berry will return for his sophomore campaign.
A number of LSU players have already made their intentions to enter the portal known for when it opens on Friday, nothing to shocking following a coaching change. Berry was one of the top priorities to keep on the roster and they have succeeded.
Many thought that it might be difficult with running backs coach and recruiting specialist Frank Wilson headed to the Ole Miss Rebels. Wilson was the lead recruiter and it was known that he was close with Berry's family. It ended up not mattering.
Berry was the No. 15 overall player of the 2025 recruiting class, per the 247Sports composite rankings. He was the best running back in the country and the top player from Louisiana.
While he didn't have an otherworldly freshman season, he certainly showed the flashes of potential that made him the top high school prospect at the position and drew comparisons with Reggie Bush.
Berry had 104 carries this season for 491 yards and two touchdowns. He also picked up eight catches for 32 yards, but the Tigers only really started to look at him as a receiving threat late and not often.
Many fans were frustrated with how he was used this season, feeling like he earned a bigger opportunity than he got while sharing a backfield with Caden Durham. Berry will be a starring role next year, and it should make for some good football.