Bob Chesney knows he's got a star in running back Wayne Knight
UCLA needs better production from their rushing offense in 2026 and James Madison transfer Wayne Knight could be a big part of that.
The UCLA Bruins have a promising running back in James Madison transfer Wayne Knight, according to head coach Bob Chesney. Knight's stellar performance last year, which saw him reach the College Football Playoffs, has raised expectations for his role at UCLA. Despite facing tougher defenses in the Big Ten Conference, Knight's skills and potential are evident.
Standing at 5’7” and weighing 193 lbs, Knight is a formidable presence in the backfield, combining explosive speed, agility, and a strong foundation in the protection game. During training camp, Chesney praised Knight’s talent, stating that he is "explosive, he’s just hard to put a pad on" and that he is "a threat out of the backfield."
UCLA's offensive success relies on more consistent ground games, and Knight, along with an improved offensive line, could provide that solution. The Bruins have a solid group of running backs, ensuring Knight won't be the sole focus, but Chesney believes Knight will be the primary star for the 2026 season.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
