Wayne Knight Hits the Portal - Could a Reunion with Bob Chesney Be on the Horizon at UCLA?
The transfer portal continues to reshape college football's offseason landscape, and one of the latest names to watch is Wayne Knight - the standout running back from James Madison who just declared his intention to enter the portal. With ties to new UCLA head coach Bob Chesney, this could be more than just a name on the board. It could be a potential game-changer for a Bruins offense looking to find its identity.
Knight is coming off a massive season for the Dukes, racking up 1,373 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. He wasn’t just a threat in the backfield - he added 40 receptions for 397 yards and a score through the air, totaling 1,770 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns. That kind of production earned him All-American honors, a First Team All-Sun Belt nod, and a spot as a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, which recognizes college football's most versatile player.
That versatility is exactly what makes Knight such an intriguing option for UCLA. The Bruins are in the middle of an offensive rebuild under Chesney, and while returning quarterback Nico Iamaleava brings plenty of upside, he’ll need consistent playmakers around him to take the next step. Knight could be that kind of back - a reliable weapon who can run, catch, and change the game in space.
At 5-foot-7 and 190 pounds, Knight isn’t going to overwhelm anyone with size, but don’t let the frame fool you. He’s got serious wiggle, excellent footwork, and a low center of gravity that makes him tough to bring down.
Think Maurice Jones-Drew - another compact, powerful back who made a name for himself in Westwood. Knight's style isn’t just about finesse; he’s a downhill runner with the ability to bounce outside and make defenders miss in the open field.
And it’s not just about what he brings to the offense. Knight also contributed on special teams this past season with 20 punt returns for 180 yards. That kind of field position impact is often overlooked, but it’s a key asset for a team looking to control tempo and create short fields for a young quarterback.
UCLA’s current running back room still features Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas, but neither has truly locked down the every-down role. That leaves the door open for someone like Knight to come in and compete right away - especially in an offense that’s likely to evolve under Chesney’s leadership.
It’s also worth noting that more roster movement could be on the horizon in Westwood. As Chesney puts his stamp on the program, expect additional turnover, both in terms of players leaving and new faces arriving. Knight, given his familiarity with Chesney’s system and coaching style, could be a seamless fit.
Back in early December, Knight put an exclamation point on his Sun Belt rushing title with a 73-yard touchdown run in the conference championship game. That kind of burst - in the biggest moment - is what separates good backs from great ones. And for a UCLA team trying to build a new identity, adding a proven playmaker like Knight could be a significant step forward.
He’s in the portal now, and as long as he’s there, he’ll be one of the more intriguing names available. The connection to Chesney makes this more than just a hypothetical - it’s a reunion that makes a lot of sense on paper and on the field.
If it happens, Knight wouldn’t just fill a need. He could help redefine what this Bruins offense looks like in 2026.