Wayne Knight is now UCLA’s Finisher

PASADENA, Calif. (News4usonline) – UCLA defeated San Diego State 28-10 Saturday at the Rose Bowl, improving to 2-0 for the first time since 2023.

The final score did not reflect the beginning. The Bruins entered halftime scoreless, their offense searching for rhythm and first-year head coach Bob Chesney waiting to see how his team would respond.

Then Wayne Knight helped change the game.

Knight rushed for 97 yards and three second-half touchdowns on 13 carries. He now has six rushing touchdowns through his first two games as a Bruin. But his impact reaches beyond the end zone.

Knight is becoming the bridge between what Chesney built at James Madison and what the coach is trying to establish at UCLA.

A Familiar Face in a New Beginning

Knight followed Chesney from James Madison after producing a school-record 2,039 all-purpose yards in 2025. While many Bruins are learning Chesney’s system for the first time, Knight already understands its expectations, language and mentality.

That familiarity matters when a team faces adversity.

UCLA rushed for 277 yards and six touchdowns in its season-opening victory over California. Against San Diego State, however, the running lanes were not immediately available. The Bruins struggled to finish drives and could not score in the first half.

Knight remained patient.

He broke the scoreless tie with an eight-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. After San Diego State cut UCLA’s lead to 7-3, Knight scored again from seven yards. His third touchdown came on a 36-yard run late in the fourth quarter, completing his second consecutive three-score performance.

“Wayne plays football the right way, and I love watching him be patient,” Chesney said. “He means a lot to this team.”

More Than Six Touchdowns

Knight became the first UCLA player to record three rushing touchdowns in consecutive games since Zach Charbonnet did it against Stanford and Arizona in 2022.

He also crossed a personal milestone Saturday. Knight entered the game with 1,908 career rushing yards. His 97-yard performance moved him to 2,005.

The numbers are impressive, but Knight’s importance cannot be measured by touchdowns and yardage alone.

He gives Chesney someone who already knows how the coach wants his team to practice, prepare and finish games. Knight can reinforce that standard among teammates because he has lived it.

His role is similar to that of a translator. On a roster combining returning Bruins with numerous transfers, Knight can show his teammates what Chesney’s expectations look like on the field.

Knight pointed to that connection after the win.

“I think it’s the togetherness that we have in our culture,” Knight said.

Knight did not simply follow Chesney across the country for a larger stage. He brought experience in the system and proof that the process could travel.

He also shares a deep backfield. Anthony Woods rushed for 118 yards against Cal, while Jaivian Thomas scored against San Diego State. That depth allows UCLA to rotate its backs and keep fresh legs on the field.

Yet when the Bruins needed someone to finish drives Saturday, Knight became the answer.

UCLA Finds Another Way to Win

UCLA’s offense did not dominate from beginning to end, but its defense gave the Bruins time to adjust. San Diego State was held to 189 total yards, including only 45 passing yards, and converted two of its 12 third-down opportunities.

Jalen Woods finished with nine tackles, one sack and the first interception of his college career. His fourth-quarter takeaway helped set up Thomas’ touchdown.

The Bruins surpassed 200 rushing yards for the second consecutive game and scored all four of their touchdowns on the ground.

Against Cal, UCLA used a 21-point fourth quarter to break open a close game. Against San Diego State, the Bruins recovered from a scoreless first half and again scored 21 points in the fourth quarter. Two games have presented different challenges, but UCLA has responded to both.

Knight has been at the center of those responses.

His six touchdowns will grab attention, and rightfully so. But what he means to UCLA is bigger. Knight represents continuity inside a program undergoing change. He understands Chesney’s system, believes in his coach and is showing his teammates how that belief can translate onto the field.

UCLA is 2-0, and Knight is doing more than carrying the football.

He is helping carry a new culture into the Rose Bowl.