Jaivian Thomas arrived at McClymonds High School in Oakland, California, as a three‑star recruit whose senior season exploded onto the national radar. He amassed 2,528 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, earning Oakland Athletic League MVP honors and being named Cal‑Hi Sports North Coast Section Player of the Year.
Early Excellence
During his two years with the California Golden Bears, Thomas contributed to bowl‑game victories in both seasons and burst onto the scene as a sophomore, leading the team with 626 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
After transferring to UCLA, Thomas faced a turbulent year marked by roster reshuffling, but the arrival of veteran coach Bob Chesney brought a wave of talent from the transfer portal, including Deshaun Foster, Nico Iamaleava and Jalen Berger, while also welcoming running back Wayne Knight to the backfield.
With sophomore Anthony Woods also returning, the Bruins hope the new backfield duo of Thomas and Woods, bolstered by Knight’s experience, can provide a balanced attack that mirrors Thomas’s high‑school production.
If the chemistry clicks, Thomas could see a resurgence that not only bolsters UCLA’s offense but also re‑affirms his status as one of the most promising running backs in the Pac‑12.