UCLA's offense demonstrated a powerful resurgence in its ground game during a recent victory against Cal, amassing 277 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. This marks the team's most productive rushing performance against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent since 2023, with the six touchdowns equaling their total from the entire 2025 season.
Tailback Wayne Knight, who contributed 71 yards and a career-high three touchdowns on eight carries, highlighted the depth of the running back room. "We got a lot of guys in there that can make plays," Knight said. "There’s never a drop-off."
Running backs Jaivian Thomas and Anthony Woods also played significant roles. Thomas emerged as a consistent scoring threat, while Woods displayed resilience, breaking for a 31-yard touchdown after escaping defenders and later scoring on a 53-yard run. Woods finished the game with 118 rushing yards, his highest total as a Bruin and his first 100-yard game in approximately two years.
"I haven’t rushed for 100 in about two years — I was hurt at Utah [in 2024], and last year didn’t go as planned," Woods stated. "It felt good to be able to go out there and show what I could do and show my ability."
The significant improvement in the run game, which averaged 8.7 yards per carry against Cal, up from 4.5 yards in 2025, is attributed to several factors. "Shoutout to the O-line and the receivers," Woods noted, acknowledging the enhanced blocking that created more opportunities. Coach Bob Chesney commended the offensive line's performance, citing their pad level and ability to gain leverage, which allowed the running backs to excel at the second level.
Additionally, the implementation of a new offensive scheme under coordinator Dean Kennedy, who previously led a highly ranked rushing attack at James Madison, is credited with the ground game's revival. This new approach has allowed quarterback Nico Iamaleava to rely more on his running backs, with Iamaleava being the team's fourth-leading rusher against Cal.
Knight emphasized the advantage of having fresh legs available. "We got a lot of guys that can go, and it keeps fresh legs," he said. "Any given chance, in the moment, it’s your chance to shine."