Jaivian Thomas is staying in Westwood for another year - and that could be big news for a UCLA offense looking to find its footing.
After transferring from Cal ahead of the 2025 season, Thomas arrived with plenty of buzz. And for good reason.
In 2024, he was one of the most efficient running backs in the country, averaging a blistering 6.26 yards per carry. That kind of production doesn’t just happen - it’s a sign of both vision and explosiveness.
He finished that season with 100 carries for 626 yards and seven touchdowns, cementing himself as a legitimate playmaker.
Naturally, expectations were high when he joined the Bruins. He was viewed as a potential difference-maker in a backfield that needed one.
But UCLA’s offense in 2025 was, in a word, inconsistent. The Bruins cycled through four different running backs, and quarterback Nico Iamaleava was often the most reliable runner on the field.
The lack of continuity and rhythm stalled the offense for long stretches.
Even so, Thomas had flashes. His best performance came against Michigan State - 12 carries, 54 yards, and a touchdown - in what was arguably one of UCLA’s most complete offensive showings of the year (alongside their game against Penn State). It wasn’t a jaw-dropping stat line, but it was a reminder of what he can do when given the opportunity and a little daylight.
Now, Thomas is doubling down on his commitment to the Bruins. Rather than re-entering the transfer portal, he’s sticking around for a second season in blue and gold. That decision comes at a pivotal time for UCLA, as new offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy takes over and reshapes the system.
The backfield picture is shifting. Wayne Knight, a transfer from James Madison, is expected to take over as the lead back.
Anthony Woods, who opened last season as the starter, is still in the mix. But Thomas is the wild card - the guy with the home-run speed and the ability to turn a routine handoff into a highlight.
If Kennedy can find ways to scheme touches for Thomas - whether it’s on stretch runs, screens, or jet sweeps - he could become a valuable weapon in a more dynamic offense. And that offense might just have the tools to open things up.
UCLA has invested heavily in the offensive line this offseason, bringing in multiple reinforcements to shore up the trenches. That’s good news for any running back, but especially for someone like Thomas, who thrives when he can get to the edge or hit a crease with a full head of steam.
There weren’t many breakout stars on the offensive side of the ball for UCLA in 2025. But if Thomas can recapture even a fraction of his 2024 form, he could be a key piece of a three-headed backfield that includes Knight’s power, Woods’ balance, and Thomas’ speed.
The talent is there. The opportunity is back. And with a new system in place, Jaivian Thomas might just be ready to remind everyone why he was one of the most efficient backs in college football not too long ago.