UCLA’s football program is poised for a turnaround as the 2026 roster takes shape under second‑year head coach Bob Chesney.
The previous season ended in a 3‑9 record, a slide that many attributed to a thin running attack after the departure of star rusher Nico Iamaleava and versatile back Jalen Berger.
Enter Wayne Knight, a James Madison transfer who arrives in Westwood with a reputation as a workhorse in the backfield.
Knight’s breakout year at James Madison saw him amass 1,373 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, earning Second Team All‑American honors and the Sun Belt Championship MVP.
His senior campaign produced 1,406 yards and 30 scores, a performance that helped the Dukes finish 12‑2, capture the Sun Belt title and reach the College Football Playoff.
Coach Chesney, who built his reputation on a power‑run scheme, says Knight’s blend of size, speed and pass‑catching ability fits perfectly into the offense he is installing.
The Bruins’ offensive line will be bolstered by a mix of returning veterans and new pieces, a development that should give Knight the protection he needs to exploit gaps.
With the new pieces in place, Chesney believes the team can rebound to at least six wins, a milestone that would signal a return to relevance in the competitive Big Ten landscape.
Knight’s Fit in the Bruins’ Scheme
Knight’s experience in high‑stakes games, including a playoff appearance, adds a layer of poise that younger backs lacked last year.
His ability to handle both inside runs and occasional receptions out of the backfield gives Chesney flexibility to keep defenses guessing.
The coaching staff has already begun integrating him into drills, and early reports suggest he is quickly earning the trust of teammates and linemen alike.
If the early chemistry translates into production on the field, Knight could become the centerpiece of a resurgence that puts UCLA back among the conference’s top contenders.