The Bruins’ backfield is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing position groups heading into the 2026 season-and it starts with a major offseason addition.
Wayne Knight, the electric 5'7" transfer from James Madison, brings both production and star power to Westwood. Knight racked up 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns last season, helping the Dukes punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff.
His signature moment? A 73-yard touchdown sprint in the Sun Belt Championship that sealed the conference rushing title.
Now, he swaps purple for Bruin blue and steps in as UCLA’s lead back.
Knight isn’t just a highlight reel waiting to happen-he’s a complete back. He’s shown he can shoulder a full workload, run between the tackles, bounce it outside, and catch passes out of the backfield. That kind of versatility is exactly what UCLA’s offense needs as it undergoes a full reset under a new coaching staff.
But Knight won’t be alone in the backfield. Returning backs Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas add depth and complementary skill sets that could make this a dynamic three-headed monster.
Thomas, a transfer from Cal, brings serious burst. He averaged nearly 10 yards per carry in a breakout performance against Auburn back in 2024, racking up 169 yards on just 17 carries. His speed and ability to contribute in the passing game make him an ideal change-of-pace option.
Woods, meanwhile, is the power element in the room. The former Idaho standout runs with a downhill style that can wear down defenses and move the chains in short-yardage situations. He was expected to be a factor last season, but instability across the coaching staff and offensive scheme made it tough for any back to find rhythm.
That’s what makes 2026 such a compelling reset. With a revamped offense and a retooled offensive line, the Bruins are aiming to establish a ground game that was largely absent in 2025.
Part of that struggle stemmed from constantly playing from behind, which forced the offense into a pass-heavy approach. But if UCLA can stay on schedule and control the tempo, this backfield has the tools to do real damage.
Expect Knight to handle the lion’s share of the carries-he’s earned that role-but Woods and Thomas should see meaningful touches in a supporting capacity. A three-back system can work when roles are clearly defined, and this trio brings a balance of power, speed, and versatility that could keep defenses guessing and backs fresh deep into games.
The key will be consistency. Too often last year, the Bruins rotated backs without any clear hierarchy.
That kind of approach rarely breeds success. In 2026, the formula is simple: ride your bell cow, mix in your specialists, and let the offensive line do its job.
With Knight leading the charge and a new system in place, the Bruins’ backfield could be one of the most improved units in the Pac-12.