LSU has experienced another setback in its running back lineup, this time due to the departure of fifth-year senior Noah Cain, who declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on Monday. Originally from Baton Rouge, Cain began his college career at Penn State before transferring to LSU in 2022. Over the last two seasons with LSU, he accumulated 590 rushing yards and scored 13 touchdowns.
In a social media post announcing his decision, Cain emphasized his resilience, strong work ethic, and team player mentality, expressing optimism about his future. Despite being eligible to return as a sixth-year senior, Cain opted for the NFL Draft. He had faced challenges, including a season-ending injury at Penn State in 2020, which granted him a redshirt year that didn’t count towards eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
LSU’s running back room has seen significant changes, with eight members last fall, and now five departing. Notably, John Emery, Logan Diggs, Armoni Goodwin, and Tre Bradford have moved on through various means, while Cain has entered the NFL draft. The team is left with returning players like sixth-year senior Josh Williams, likely to return, along with Kaleb Jackson and Trey Holly. Additionally, they secured the commitment of four-star running back Caden Durham.
To reinforce the running back position, LSU’s running backs coach Frank Wilson recently secured a commitment from Harlem Berry, a five-star recruit and the top running back in the 2025 class. Cain, who became a complementary piece in LSU’s backfield after transferring, was known for his power and was often utilized in short-yardage situations at the goal line. However, his playing time decreased last season with Logan Diggs taking on a more prominent role as the lead running back. Despite this, Coach Brian Kelly praised Cain for maintaining a positive attitude throughout the season, acknowledging his valuable contribution to the team.