Wayne Knight is a dynamic all-around running back that is a breath of fresh air for UCLA offense

Wayne Knight was one of the many players that Bob Chesney brought with him over to UCLA from James Madison. He is a dynamic all-around running back that can run the ball and catch the ball as well as block. He figures to be in the mix for the best all-around player in the Big Ten. Giving Nico Iamaleava a great player to have in the backfield with him. One that will have consistent carries on a weekly basis.

In 2025, UCLA did not have a go to running back. It was a committee that saw four different running backs share the carries. No running back asserted themselves as someone who was going to get 10 carries consistently each week. But UCLA also fell into a large hole almost on a weekly basis making them have to go away from the running game early in most of those games.

Knight now enters the mix as someone who is going to be that type of player for them. UCLA figures to have the lead in quite a few games and be able to run the ball more in 2026. Knight is a very powerful back, even though he only stands at 5’8, he is very strong and uses his strength and quick agility on runs. Allowing him to break off big gains or power for an extra yard.

The big positive with Knight is he gets to stay within Dean Kennedy’s system that was at James Madison. He was the offensive coordinator that followed Chesney to UCLA. So he knows a lot of the sets and motioning that is going to go on. He also should have two years of eligibility remaining to grow within the system and help UCLA. While also mentoring 2027 recruits Deuce Jones-Drew and Jayshon Gibson when they get to campus.

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