Dan Lanning: UCLA RB Wayne Knight can 'play anywhere in the nation'

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With just over two minutes to go in the Oregon Ducks' victory over the James Madison Dukes in the 2025 College Football Playoff First Round, the Dukes' running back took a handoff up the middle, shook off one tackler, then another and finally a third tackler before squirting free, off to the races towards the end zone. If not for Oregon's Jadon Canady having an angle and taking down the running back at the one-yard line, it would've been a touchdown instead of an impressive 49-yard rush.

James Madison scored on the next play, putting the final score at 51-34 as Oregon advanced to the CFP Semifinal.

When the Ducks take the field on Saturday against the UCLA Bruins, they'll be facing off against that same running back who broke through the teeth of their defense late in that December CFP game: Wayne Knight. Oregon kept him in check prior to that run, as he'd totaled 16 carries for 61 yards, but the current Bruin is off to hot start to the 2026 season after following his head coach Bob Chesney to UCLA.

Operating in a three-headed backfield alongside fellow running backs Anthony Woods (36 carries, 269 yards) and Jaivian Thomas (28 carries, 155 yards) — add quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the mix as well with 35 carries of his own — Knight is 24th in the nation with 445 yards and third in touchdowns with nine, including three apiece in the first two games.

Knight's early-season performance has gotten the attention of Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, who praised the former James Madison standout in his Monday presser.

"I mean, one, he's the kind of back that can play anywhere in the nation," Lanning said. "I truly believe that when you watch him, and multiple backs. They have several backs averaging well over five yards per carry. But one thing for him is he doesn't go down often on first contact, and he breaks a lot of tackles. And a lot of times, that first contact happens later in the down. He's not big, but he's very stout."

Listed at 5-foot-7 and 193 pounds, Knight is among the smaller backs in college football, but he more than makes up for it with his contact balance and elite game-breaking speed. Last season alone with the Dukes, Knight had gains of 73, 59, 58 and a pair of 49-yard runs, one of which coming in that playoff matchup. Knight also had 57- and 49-yard receptions, proving himself as a threat in the receiving game as well.

"He has great burst. So he's a guy that sometimes gets lost behind the line of scrimmage, and then he pops out with great speed and athleticism, and then the ability to break tackles, which is a challenge," Lanning continued. "He's also utilized in the passing game a good amount too. So he's just a guy you have to know where he's at."

Considering Oregon has allowed 150.0 rushing yards per game against opponents not named Portland State this year, they're going to have their hands full defending Knight. Corralling him to just 61 yards — as they did prior to his long run in the CFP — would be a significant win come Saturday for the Ducks.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Dan Lanning: UCLA RB Wayne Knight can 'play anywhere in the nation'

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