After posting its worst rushing season since 2016, the UCLA Bruins introduced arguably a top-10 running back transfer to their roster. The addition of former California running back Jaivian Thomas should provide a spark for UCLA, and create a more balanced offensive attack. With lead-rusher T.J. Harden transferring to the Lone Star State, Thomas is positioned to dominate Westwood’s backfield in 2025.
Who is UCLA RB Jaivian Thomas?
Jaivian ‘The Jet’ Thomas was a three-star recruit out of McClymonds High School in Oakland, California. In his senior season, Thomas posted the third-highest rushing yards in the state with 2456 yards on 169 carries (14.5 yards per carry) and found the endzone 32 times in just 11 games.
The nickname couldn’t be more fitting. Thomas has game-changing speed and acceleration. However, the five-foot-ten-inch back is also a wrecking ball, bringing thunder alongside his lighting ability.
The Oakland native received seven D1 offers out of high school before eventually deciding to stay local — committing to Cal.
After spending his freshman year as a primary backup, Thomas exploded onto the scene in 2024. His sophomore campaign consisted of 100 carries, 626 rushing yards, 11 receptions, 91 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
In what was mainly a split backfield between him and Jaydn Ott, Thomas shined in the three games he was the Bears’ starter — racking up 43 total carries, 319 yards and three touchdowns in his limited opportunities.
With a potential full workload, Thomas’ skillset could be exactly what UCLA needs to regain a top rushing offense.
What to Expect From Jaivian Thomas in 2025?
If handed the keys to the backfield, the standout junior could replicate a Zach Charbonnet or Joshua Kelley-type of season — a 1000-yard rusher with double-digit touchdowns. The junior back can be a full workhorse for UCLA if head coach DeShaun Foster decides to utilize his latest weapon fully.
A bolstered-up offensive line in 2025 sets the Bruins up for a much more effective rushing attack. Though nothing is set in stone, Thomas will likely still have to earn the top role. Assuming the talented rusher is the lead back, he brings am edge that can flip the script of a game.
In addition to rushing behind an improved offensive line, Thomas will have the luxury of playing alongside one of the nation’s most talented quarterbacks, Nico Iamaleava. The Blue and Gold will likely run a high-octane offense, centered around an open-field scheme centered around the star QB transfer. This would create opportunities for Thomas as a target out of the backfield. Moreover, Jaivian will also find success running between the tackles as well as on the outside edge.
His ability to make house calls off of single cuts is elite. Yes, we can rave about how fast Jet is for hours, but it’s also his change of pace and deceleration that causes opposing defenders to play on their heels. However, Thomas is far from a one-trick pony. The jet-like speed is undoubtedly his best attribute, but the junior’s knack for breaking tackles and fighting for extra yards gets overlooked. Thomas is not the biggest, but his leverage and agility allow his 190-pound frame to slip tackles and drive his legs through some defenders.
Who Is Jaivian Thomas’ Player Comparison?
Every player is a one-of-one, but similarities in play styles do exist. Jet Thomas’ talents and abilities resemble a combination of Florida State’s Dalvin Cook and California’s Jahvid Best. The Bruin possesses the open-field speed and home-run capabilities of Best, and the vision and strength of Cook. Again, Thomas can open up a defense in multiple ways and will be a great compliment to UCLA’s offense in 2025, proving why he was a top-recruited transfer.
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Eric Hayrapetian
Eric is a lifelong Angeleno and a sports journalist who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined The League Winners in January of 2025, and is the lead beat writer for the UCLA Bruins. Follow Eric on X (formerly known as Twitter) @EricHayrapetian.