Wayne Knight has officially entered the transfer portal, and let’s just say-this could be one of the more intriguing storylines to watch as the college football offseason heats up.
Knight, the standout running back from James Madison, is coming off a monster 2025 campaign. He rushed for 1,373 yards on 190 carries-good for a blistering 6.6 yards per carry-and punched in nine touchdowns on the ground.
But he wasn’t just a threat between the tackles. Knight also hauled in 40 receptions for 397 yards, showing off the kind of versatility that makes offensive coordinators salivate.
Add in his impact on special teams-earning second-team All-American honors as an all-purpose player from the AP-and you’re looking at one of the most complete skill players in the portal.
He’s got one year of eligibility left, and the timing couldn’t be more interesting.
With Bob Chesney now at the helm at UCLA after his successful run at JMU, there’s already buzz that Knight could be one of several Dukes making the jump with him to Westwood. Sources close to the situation suggest Knight is seriously considering UCLA, and it makes sense. He knows Chesney’s system, he’s thrived in it, and the Bruins could use a dynamic playmaker like him in their backfield.
That said, Knight’s profile is big enough that he’s likely to draw attention from across the country. And in today’s college football landscape, NIL value is part of the equation. Knight’s production and versatility make him an attractive target not just for his on-field talent, but for the off-field opportunities he could command.
Now, if UCLA were to retain some of its current running backs with remaining eligibility, the backfield could get crowded. But talent tends to sort itself out, and Knight isn’t just another name on a depth chart. He’s a difference-maker.
At 5-foot-7 and 190 pounds, Knight might not fit the prototypical Power Four mold, but that hasn’t stopped him from dominating at the Group of Five level. His combination of speed, balance, and low-center-of-gravity power makes him a nightmare to tackle in space.
He’s slippery, explosive, and surprisingly strong through contact. Think of him as a spark plug-capable of flipping the field in an instant, whether it’s on a screen pass, a zone read, or a punt return.
Still, there are questions. His worst performance of the season came against Louisville-the only Power Four opponent JMU faced.
That game will be scrutinized by coaches and scouts alike. But there’s also a sense that Knight has the tools to elevate his game against better competition, especially if he lands in the right system.
And if that system ends up being in Westwood under a coach who already knows how to use him? Well, don’t be surprised if Knight becomes a name we’re still talking about deep into next fall.