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Lane Kiffin, LSU Lose Former 4-Star Running Back to Transfer Portal
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- Lane Kiffin, LSU Lose Former 4-Star Running Back to Transfer Portal
LSU running back Ju'Juan Johnson, one of the most accomplished players in Louisiana high school history, intends to enter the transfer portal.
Johnson, a former four-star recruit who arrived at LSU as a defensive back, confirmed his decision to The Advocate (La.) on Wednesday. The transfer portal officially opens Jan. 2, and it is unclear whether Johnson will play against No. 21 Houston in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 27. However, players who publicly announce an intent to transfer before their bowl game rarely play in that game.
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LSU did not sign any running backs during last week's early signing period. However, new coach Lane Kiffin has an extensive history of adding impactful players through the portal, with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss ( Ferris State ), receiver Deuce Alexander ( Wake Forest ), linebacker Princewill Umanmielen ( Nebraska ), safety Wydett Williams Jr. (Louisiana-Monroe), and kicker Lucas Carneiro (Western Kentucky) all playing massive roles for Ole Miss this season.
Johnson, who is originally from Lafayette, La., is Louisiana's all-time leader in total yards (14,451) and touchdowns (171). Lafayette Christian Academy retired his No. 7 following his senior season, and he was one of five finalists for the 2023 MaxPreps National Player of the Year.
What to Know About LSU RB Ju'Juan Johnson
LSU Tigers running back Ju'Juan Johnson intends to enter the transfer portalAlex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Johnson rushed for 14 yards on seven carries as a freshman last year, though he turned five catches into 22 yards and a touchdown. He began the 2025 campaign with 27 carries for 136 yards and two touchdowns, as well as seven catches for 49 yards, in LSU's first six games.
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However, Johnson had only one game with four carries in the second half of the season. Johnson, who served as LSU's emergency quarterback, also had a 14-yard completion in a 23-22 victory over Arkansas on Nov. 15.
Running backs Caden Durham (505 yards and three touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry) and Harlem Berry (446 yards and two scores on 4.4 yards per attempt) both have eligibility for next year. Durham is a sophomore, and Berry is a true freshman.
It is unknown if Johnson intends to remain a running back at his next school or if he will return to quarterback or defensive back.
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Despite firing Brian Kelly in November, LSU has already secured its fourth consecutive winning season. The Tigers have had only one losing record since Nick Saban arrived ahead of the 2000 season. Next year, Kiffin hopes to lead LSU to its first College Football Playoff appearance since its 2019 national championship victory.
Related: Former 4-Star Purdue Recruit Headed to Transfer Portal After Latest Losing Season
Related: Dabo Swinney, Clemson Get Bad Transfer Portal News Before Pinstripe Bowl
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
