Returning players edition Jaivian Thomas

Jaivian Thomas was a part of the many transfers that came to UCLA for the 2025 season. After a breakout season at California in 2024. One that saw him be one of the highest yards per carry running back in the nation at 6.26. He was seen as a player that was going to have a large part in the Bruins backfield. Being an explosive player running the ball. He had 100 carries for 626 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground in 2024.

The Bruins backfield had trouble getting any consistency in the 2025 season. As they had a rotating backfield that consisted of four different running backs. As well as Nico Iamaleava running the ball often. With a struggling offense, they were never able to get much going for large periods of time. Thomas best game of the season came against Michigan State. He had 12 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown in that game. Which was UCLA’s best offensive effort of the season along with the Penn State game.

Thomas returns for another season with UCLA. Choosing to bypass the transfer portal and see what he can do in a second season with the team. With a whole new offensive system in place, it will be interesting to see how Dean Kennedy utilizes him. Wayne Knight the transfer from James Madison comes in to take over the starting running back spot. With Anthony Woods also in place to see if he can get some carries as well. He started off as the Bruins starting running back last season.

The talent is there with Thomas. There were not many players on the offensive side of the ball that had breakout 2025 seasons. If the Bruins can get anything close compared to 2024. They will have a decent trio at the running back position. Knight, Woods and Thomas will all have much more space to operate. As the Bruins have brought in many offensive line reinforcements. That alone will be a large boost to this offense. Thomas track speed could be a good gadget for the team to utilize.