Written By
Written By
UNLV enters 2026 as the Mountain West favorite, with Jackson Arnold leading a deep offense and experienced, transfer-boosted defense.
Written By
Written By
The quarterback position sees a competition between Alex Orji and Auburn transfer Jackson Arnold. Orji is a great rushing threat, and I am sure he will have a package no matter what. Arnold has 18 career starts between Oklahoma and Auburn. He hopes to have the same results as last year’s starter Anthony Colandrea.
The running back room returns experience in Jai’Den Thomas (All-MWC) and Jaylon Glover. Glover averaged six yards per carry last season and Thomas rushed for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns, on seven yards per carry. Redshirt freshman Xamran Williams provides even more depth.
The wide receiver room returns some experience in Kayden McGee, DeAngelo Irvin Jr., and Taeshaun Lyons. The additions of Troy Stellato (Kentucky), Taz Reddicks (Oregon State), Amorion Walker (Middle Tennessee State), and tight end Keyan Burnett (Arizona) will all see action in this offense.
The offensive line room returns experience in Austin Boyd (All-MWC) and Will Thomas. Several players are returning from injuries as well. The additions of Colton Thomasson (Baylor), BJ Tolo (New Mexico State), Jackson Brown (Pittsburgh), and Griffin Scroggs (Appalachian State) will all be in the rotation.
The defensive line room returns experience in Landen Thomas, Cohen Fuller, Lucas Conti, and Andre Porter. Several young, talented players will need to develop behind them. The additions of Herb Gray (Tennessee) and Elias Rudolph (Miami) bring Power 4 experience.
The linebacker room returns production in Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu, Kamuela Ka’aihue, and Justin Flowe. The additions of Cam Santee (Holy Cross), Mark Iheanachor (SMU), and Dee Crayton (Clemson) will all play big roles. Santee was a force at the FCS level last season.
The secondary returns experience in Jake Pope, Mumu Bin-Wahad, Quandarius Keyes, and Tre Fulton. The additions of Kyron Chambers (SMU), Tony-Louis Nkuba (Arizona State), Avery Helm (TCU), Landyn Cleveland (Oklahoma State), and Denver Harris (UTSA) bring a lot of quality depth to this unit.
The kicking role belongs to Ramon Villela, who made multiple clutch kicks last season. Punting duties will belong to Kennesaw State transfer Matt Choules.
Five of UNLV's 11 losses since 2023 have come to Boise State, including three in the Mountain West Championship game. The Broncos are now off to the Pac-12 so the Rebels are the Mountain West Conference favorites. Dan Mullin has continued on with this program’s recent success. Jackson Arnold at quarterback will be the key for the Rebels this season.
