UCLA football practice observations: Wednesday of Cal week
- UCLA's injury picture was unchanged Wednesday, and the roster appears nearly fully healthy for the opener at California.
- Wayne Knight took the first kickoff-return rep ahead of Troy Leigber, Anthony Woods, Cole Martin and Jaivian Thomas, while Mikey Matthews, Semaj Morgan, Aidan Mizell and Brian Rowe handled punt-return work.
- Julian Armella replaced Eugene Brooks at left guard with the top offense during red-zone work, where Knight scored on the first snap and Nico Iamaleava later found Landon Ellis for a touchdown.
- The first-team red-zone defense used three linebackers with Sammy Omosigho, Jalen Woods and Donavyn Pellot, while safety Tao Johnson remained in a non-contact jersey.
- UCLA's reserve passing period included a Ta'Shawn James breakup and a Robert Stafford interception, while the offensive staff also corrected a mistimed top-unit snap that became a Nico Iamaleava fumble.
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Football Opens 2026 Season at California Saturday Night
- Bob Chesney begins his UCLA tenure at California after bringing 26 staffers and 10 players from a James Madison program that went 21-6 over the past two seasons.
- UCLA leads the Big Ten with 45 incoming transfers, making immediate roster integration a central variable in the season opener.
- James Madison transfer Wayne Knight joins the backfield after producing 2,039 all-purpose yards in 2025, including 1,373 rushing yards and substantial receiving and return-game production.
- Quarterback Nico Iamaleava returns after leading UCLA with 505 rushing yards in 2025, while seven interceptions against 13 passing touchdowns leave passing efficiency as an improvement area.
- Sun Belt freshman of the year Sahir West strengthens the defensive front after recording 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks for James Madison last season.
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