The Louisville Sports Commission on Wednesday morning announced that UCLA fifth-year running back Wayne Knight has been named the Paul Hornung Award National Player of the Week following his three-touchdown outing in the Bruins’ season-opening 45-24 victory at California on Sept. 5.
The Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse is handed out annually to the most versatile player in college football. Knight was a member of the Hornung Award preseason watch list in 2026 after finishing as a finalist for the award in 2025 at James Madison.
Knight led a potent UCLA running attack, which combined for six touchdowns on the ground, in Berkeley this past Saturday. Knight himself totaled 157 all-purpose yards (71 rushing, 56 kickoff return, 30 receiving) and three rushing touchdowns. It marked his first-career game with multiple rushing touchdowns, and it was the 13th game in his career in which he eclipsed the century mark for all-purpose yards.
The JMU transfer became the first Bruin to score three touchdowns in his Bruin debut since Zach Charbonnet accomplished the feat back in 2021. In addition, Knight registered a team-high four explosive plays (20+ yards).
Knight, who earlier today was named the UCLA Student-Athlete of the Week, becomes the third Bruin to receive recognition after UCLA’s Week 1 triumph over the Golden Bears. He joins senior safety Ta’Shawn James, who was named the Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week after posting two interceptions and eight tackles, and senior linebacker Sammy Omosigho, who was tabbed the Bednarik Award National Player of the Week (top defensive player in the country) after piling up 14 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, and a forced fumble.
UCLA returns to action this Saturday, Sept. 12, hosting San Diego State at the Rose Bowl in the team’s 2026 home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. PT on Big Ten Network.
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