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UCLA Adds 1,700-Yard JMU Running Back Wayne Knight in Transfer

The All-American arrives with one year of eligibility following a breakout season under Bob Chesney at James Madison.

EUGENE, OREGON - DECEMBER 20: Head coach Bob Chesney and Wayne Knight #3 of the James Madison Dukes embrace prior to the game against the Oregon Ducks during the 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Autzen Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
James Madison tight end Josh Phifer, middle, is tackled by Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, left, and Jerry Mixon during the first half of their College Football Playoff first-round game last month in Eugene, Ore. Phifer has announced he is following his former coach to UCLA. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) rushes during the third quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Wayne Knight has committed to transfer from James Madison to UCLA, continuing the influx of Dukes following coach Bob Chesney to Westwood.
  • Knight produced 1,770 yards of offense and 10 touchdowns in 2025, earning All-American recognition, first-team All-Sun Belt honors, and Paul Hornung Award finalist status.
  • He showcased versatility with 1,357 rushing yards, 40 receptions for 397 yards, and impact in the return game, totaling a school-record 2,039 all-purpose yards.
  • Knight ran for 110 yards against Oregon in the College Football Playoff, and he now reunites with offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy, whose unit ranked No. 10 nationally last season.
  • The senior-to-be bolsters a Bruins backfield that returns multiple contributors as UCLA accelerates its roster rebuild before the transfer portal closes on January 16.