Jaivian Thomas might not have made headlines when he entered the transfer portal, but make no mistake-UCLA may have landed a serious difference-maker in its backfield.
After spending two seasons at Cal, Thomas broke out in 2024, racking up 626 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on just 100 carries. That’s 6.2 yards per carry-tops in the ACC-and a clear indicator of his explosiveness. He added another 91 yards through the air on 11 receptions, showing some versatility in the passing game as well.
Now he's headed to Westwood, joining a UCLA backfield that, frankly, lacked a true bell-cow in 2025. The Bruins leaned on a committee approach this past season, with five different players sharing the workload.
Iamaleava led the team in rushing with 505 yards, followed by Jalen Berger (364), Anthony Woods (294), Anthony Frias II (187), and Thomas, who also chipped in 294 yards. That kind of rotation made it tough for any one back to find a rhythm or establish themselves as the go-to option.
That’s where Thomas could change things.
At 5-foot-11, he’s not the most physically imposing back, but his speed and burst are elite. He’s the kind of runner who only needs a crease-once he hits the second level, he’s a threat to take it the distance.
That home-run ability is something UCLA sorely lacked in 2025. The Bruins had plenty of capable backs, but none who consistently flashed the kind of game-breaking potential Thomas brings to the table.
And while he didn’t get a full workload at Cal, the efficiency speaks for itself. Averaging over six yards per carry in a Power Five conference isn’t easy. It’s a sign that when given the opportunity-and a competent offensive line-Thomas can produce at a high level.
Of course, with a new coaching staff under Bob Chesney, it remains to be seen how the offense will evolve. But Thomas is the kind of player who could thrive in a system that leans into his strengths: quick-hitting runs, outside zone concepts, and opportunities in space. If Chesney and his staff can scheme him into favorable matchups, Thomas could very well emerge as the feature back UCLA has been missing.
He’s still a junior, so there’s time for him to grow into a larger role. And while the Bruins may not be done shuffling their roster-especially with the transfer portal still active-Thomas is a strong foundational piece for a rushing attack that needs a spark.
Bottom line: Jaivian Thomas brings speed, vision, and big-play potential to a UCLA offense in transition. If he gets the touches, don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the breakout backs in the Pac-12 next season.