How Former JMU Stars Will Make Major Impact for UCLA

UCLA could have two transfers turn into stars next season.

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bob Chesney and UCLA football have done a great job this offseason, quickly rebuilding the roster for the upcoming 2026 college football campaign.

UCLA finished last year with a disappointing 3-9 record, all while letting go of their former head coach, DeShaun Foster, after starting the year 0-3.

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

UCLA lost 49 players to the transfer portal and brought in 45. Guys such as linebacker Sammy Omosigho and wide receivers Leland Smith and Landon Ellis.

Recently, ESPN’s Bill Connelly released the list of his 10 favorite transfers in the Big Ten, and the Bruins were the only team listed with two players. Both Sahir West and Wayne Knight were listed among the projected top programs in the Big Ten, more than Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana, each of which had only one player.

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sahir West

After deciding to redshirt in his true freshman season in 2024, West would become one of the best players in the Sun Belt Conference. In his redshirt freshman season at James Madison, West had a team-high seven sacks with 14 tackles for a loss.

Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes defensive end Sahir West (15) reacts during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images | Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

His best games last year at James Madison were a five-tackle-for-loss, three-sack, and a forced-fumble performance to win the Sun Belt championship against Troy. That performance would help bring the championship to James Madison and secure its spot in the College Football Playoff.

“A breakout JMU star as a redshirt freshman, West recorded seven sacks among 16 tackles for loss. That includes a five-TFL, three-sack performance in the Sun Belt championship game win that clinched a CFP berth for the Dukes," Connelly said.

Wayne Knight

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; 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 | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Along with West, Knight also left James Madison for UCLA to follow Bob Chesney. Knight brings proven production to the Bruins, totaling 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns last season with 1379 yards on the ground. Knight has also become a reliable pass-catching threat from the backfield with 397 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Along with West, Knight's best game last season was in the Sun Belt championship against Troy, as he had a season high 212 rushing yards on 21 carries and a touchdown.

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) rushes during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

“One of many James Madison transfers to follow Bob Chesney west, Knight erupted for 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 10 total TDs last season. In two seasons with Chesney at JMU, he topped 100 yards from scrimmage 12 times," Connelly added.

Both Knight and West are players who are going to be starters for the Bruins right away. They both followed Bob Chesney from James Madison and will be leaders next season, as they already know the offensive and defensive systems Chesney likes to run.