James Madison running back Wayne Knight is set to be one of the most sought-after running backs in the transfer portal. According to On3 Sports, the Dukes’ star tailback is entering the portal after a dominant season that cemented him as one of the most productive and versatile running backs in college football.
Knight totaled 1,770 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns this season, earning All-American honors, first-team All-Sun Belt recognition, and a spot as a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award. At just 5-foot-7, 190 pounds, Knight pairs elite explosiveness with pass-catching ability, making him a perfect fit for the modern college offense. He will have one season of eligibility remaining at his next stop.
Below are five landing spots that make the most sense for Knight as he looks to make an immediate impact at a Power Conference program.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame stands out as an ideal fit due to its established two-back system. Jeremiyah Love has been dominant, posting a PFSN CFB RB Impact grade of 92.1 (fifth-highest nationally), while Jadarian Price checked in at 77.5, ranking lower largely due to limited opportunities behind Love. However, both are considered top RBs in the 2026 NFL draft. That kind of development could really entice Knight to choose the Fighting Irish.
Even if head coach Marcus Freeman doesn’t view Knight as a clear RB1, he would immediately slot in as the best complementary 1B option in a backfield Notre Dame has historically been comfortable rotating. Knight’s receiving ability would also add a new dimension to the Irish offense.
Alabama
Alabama is the wildcard, but the fit makes sense. The Crimson Tide averaged just 116.2 rushing yards per game this season, ranking 117th nationally. That’s a shocking number for a program historically built on physical, dominant ground games.
Knight would instantly address that deficiency. If quarterback Ty Simpson returns, the pairing could form a dynamic 1–2 punch, giving Alabama a balanced, explosive offense that more closely resembles its championship formula of the past.
UCLA
UCLA offers the most continuity. New Bruins head coach Bob Chesney followed Knight from James Madison, and their prior success together makes this pairing a strong selling point. Chesney built his offense around Knight, leaning heavily on the run game en route to a PFSN Offensive Impact Grade of 75.9.
If Knight wants to continue being the focal point of an offense, this time against Big Ten competition, following Chesney to Los Angeles would allow him to do so with familiarity, trust, and a proven role already in place.
Nebraska
Nebraska becomes a compelling option following Emmett Johnson’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft. Johnson posted an elite 95.9 PFSN RB Impact Grade, the best in college football, and ranks as the No. 2 running back on the PFSN Consensus Big Board for the 2026 NFL Draft.
That departure opens the door for Matt Rhule to reload quickly. Knight could step in immediately and give Nebraska a new offensive centerpiece, with the upside of launching a legitimate Heisman campaign if the Huskers’ offense clicks around him.
Virginia
Virginia rounds out the list as a strong regional and situational fit. With starting running back J’Mari Taylor out of eligibility and headed to the NFL, the Cavaliers have an immediate need in the backfield.
Knight could also opt to stay close to where his home has been over the past few years, as James Madison is located in Virginia. Tony Elliott has built real momentum in Charlottesville after a 10-win season and an ACC Championship appearance. Adding a proven, in-state star like Knight could help Virginia capitalize on that momentum, especially with increased competition in the region following James Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech.
