2026 stat predictions Wayne Knight continues to be an all-purpose back in new Bruins era

Wayne Knight figures to slot in as RB1 for the Bruins in 2026. He should get the bulk of carries and be effective as a pass catcher. Something the Bruins really lacked in 2025. They never had a back that separated themselves to be the main ball carrier. It was a mixture of four guys that rotated in and out. As they went with a hot hand. The problem was there was never really a hot hand and the position was filled with inconsistency on a weekly basis. Due to not much of an offensive line and pressure filling gaps. It didn’t help that the Bruins trailed a lot and abandoned the run game.

Knight is a smaller back but one that can handle a bulk of the duties. This is a guy who touched the ball 247 times and gained 1,770 yards at James Madison last year. As he looks to continue that success at UCLA which is a much larger school. That will be a welcome sight to Nico Iamaleava which will ultimately help him rebound from a tough 2025 campaign. UCLA also made it a point to fix the offensive line.

Wayne Knight is an electric all-purpose back

Knight should see great success as he is familiar with the system under Dean Kennedy. The competition will be better in the Big Ten. But Knight is an all-purpose player that can get yards and could be the diamond the Bruins are looking for. The school has a rich history of some good running backs and Knight looks to be the next one in that string. Bob Chesney is not looking for a long term rebuild plan and wants to win right now.

Prediction:

Carries - 227

Rushing Yards - 1,110

Receptions - 35

Receiving Yards - 309

Total Touchdowns - 13