On Monday morning, USA TODAY college sports trending writer Austin Curtright published an article titled "Big Ten football's 10 most impactful transfers for 2026: From Josh Hoover to Terry Moore," which featured two new UCLA Bruin players. Senior running back Wayne Knight was the first Bruin featured on the list.
"An All-American last season by multiple outlets, Wayne Knight also followed his former head coach, joining up with Bob Chesney from James Madison at UCLA. "Knight was a difference-maker last season for the Dukes, rushing for 1,373 yards with nine touchdowns, also catching 40 passes for 397 yards and another score. He has a small frame at 5-7, 193 pounds, but showed he can hold his own against tougher opponents. Against Oregon in the College Football Playoff, he rushed for 110 yards on 6.5 yards per carry. "Knight is on multiple preseason All-American teams ahead of the 2026 season, and has huge expectations in his final season of eligibility."
Sophomore defensive end Sahir West was next on the countdown.
"Another James Madison transfer, Sahir West broke out in a huge way as a redshirt freshman in 2025, totaling seven sacks. "The 6-3, 279-pound edge rusher has been giving the Bruins’ offense fits in fall camp, and was also listed on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List,” which details some of the best athletes in college football. "Chesney is hoping West is ready for the jump in competition, and he could be a standout this season."
Contact/Follow us @UCLAWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of UCLA news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Instagram & X: @Shaun_Holkko. This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: USA TODAY sports writer names 2 Bruins on impactful transfers list