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UCLA Nation Erupts After UCLA’s Biggest Standouts Against Cal

The Bruins had some players make a name for themselves against the Golden Bears.
Kade Nix|
Sep 5, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Wayne Knight (3) scores a touchdown against California Golden Bears defensive back Quimari Shemwell (24) during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Sep 5, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Wayne Knight (3) scores a touchdown against California Golden Bears defensive back Quimari Shemwell (24) during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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UCLA Bruins

​College football fans all around the country had things to say about UCLA in their X win against Cal in Week One. This UCLA team looks like it could have something special, and Bruins fans seem to agree.

​Sammy Omosigho Made an Impressive Introduction

​UCLA fans quickly got to know linebacker Sammy Omosigho, who finished with 14 total tackles, 7 solo tackles, and a forced fumble that the Bruins recovered—a very solid night for the Oklahoma transfer.

​On just about every play that Cal ran, it seemed like Omosigho was in on or near the end of the play. He was named a permanent captain for UCLA before the season opener, and it’s easy to see why. Moving forward, he’ll be a major playmaker on this Bruins’ defense.

​Mikey Matthews Caught Some Attention

​This UCLA offense looked much better than what fans witnessed last season, and returning receiver Mikey Matthews was a central part of that resurgence. Matthews ended the night with 88 yards on 4 receptions, including a massive 43-yard catch that set the Bruins up for a late field goal to end the half.

​From what we saw in Week One, I wouldn’t bat an eye if Matthews went on to lead the team in receiving this season. It seemed as if Nico Iamaleava looked his way often, and the connection between the two could blossom into something special for the Bruins this season.

​Wayne Knight Could Be a Fan Favorite

​The Bruins showed a strong run game in Week One, and Wayne Knight was a major part of that. After transferring in from James Madison, it was speculated that Knight would become a star for the Bruins. While he didn’t receive the same amount of volume as he did with the Dukes, he certainly made the most of each one.

​Knight had a quiet first half, but still managed to average 8.9 yards per carry, propelling the Bruins over the Golden Bears with a hat trick of crucial touchdowns in the Bruins' win on the road.

It’s shaping up to be a fun season for the Bruins, and many players on this roster showed out in UCLA’s 45-24 win over Cal. The Bruins offense looks like it could be something special in the Big Ten, and expectations just got even larger for Bob Chesney and Co.

Their next opponent will be at home as they take on the San Diego State Aztecs. If their run game gets it going like it did tonight, Westwood is going to be roaring next Saturday.

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Kade Nix
KADE NIX

Kade Nix is the UCLA Beat Writer On SI and a member of the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). He specializes in college basketball coverage, with a statistical, analytics-driven approach to reporting, providing readers with in-depth analysis of recruiting, roster construction, player development, and the evolving college sports landscape.