UNLV is not just looking to be back in a bowl game this season. They’re looking to win the Mountain West conference, make it into the college football playoff, and put Las Vegas on the map in the college football world. The first step is winning in Week 0 at Allegiant Stadium, and this 2025 breakdown is everything you need to know about the matchup.
UNLV Rebels vs. Idaho State Bengals: History and Excerpts
This is the 11th installment of the Mountain West versus the Big Sky, with the Rebels leading the all-time series 7-2. This matchup goes back to 1969, when the UNLV football program was only two years old. Interestingly, the home team won each meeting, with the predominant location being Las Vegas. The most recent meeting was in 2022, when UNLV was victorious 52-21.
Heading into 2025, UNLV is led by new head coach Dan Mullen. His roster was loaded with transfers from the portal this offseason, and it is of utmost importance to UNLV to not just come away with a victory in Week 0, but to evaluate this revamped roster.
Idaho State is an FCS school that is stacking bricks in the middle of a rebuild. The Bengals are a pass-first offense, ranking towards the top of the Big Sky last year through the air but towards the very bottom in the run.
UNLV vs. Idaho State 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions
Key Players for UNLV
Running back Jai’Den Thomas returns for the Rebels this season, and he is surely the featured player on the offensive side of the ball. The Rebel rusher had 918 rushing yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. This season, he will be looking to break the 1000-yard mark, and he will surely get his fair share of touches in this game to break in some new cleats.
Both transfer quarterbacks bring a level of talent and upside that UNLV hasn’t seen heading into a season opener in years.
Alex Orji, a run-first quarterback, could give Mullen’s Rebels a dangerous read-option look when paired with Thomas in the backfield. Meanwhile, Anthony Colandrea offers the far superior arm while still being able to escape and make plays with his legs when needed.
Up front, the UNLV offensive line saw a complete revamp from the transfer portal. UNLV will rely on junior Austin Boyd at right tackle, while Temple transfer James Faminu looks to secure the left side. Guards Malik McGowan and Donavan Manson, with 60 games played between them, aim to earn their first collegiate starts. At center, Chattanooga transfer Reid Williams brings 12 starts of experience to anchor the rebuilt line.
Denver Harris, Laterrance Welch, and Aamaris Brown headline a revamped cornerback group for UNLV, each looking to make an immediate impact against Idaho State’s passing attack.
Key Players for Idaho State
With the Bengals priding themselves on a heavy air attack, all eyes will turn to Jordan Cooke who returns as the Bengals quarterback after redshirting in 2024. It has been an interesting journey so far for Cooke, who only appeared in one game last season against Oregon State, going 9-20 for 71 yards and an interception in that game.
Jonah Burton may become Cooke’s go to target as the former Baylor Bear, has put together a very impressive summer camp and after not playing college football in 2024, looks to return make an impact in the Big Sky. Burton has reeled in nine passes for 112 yards in his career, and may be poised to make a huge difference for Idaho State.
Keys for UNLV to Win in Week 0
Alex Orji and Anthony Colandrea are getting their chance to showcase their skills as they compete for the 2025 starting job. Both will be evaluated in how they can crank up this RPO system and if both can get the offense rolling early that may open up the flood gates.
With the revamped offensive line, it will also be important for this new front five to get some time on task together. It is no secret that UNLV wants to run the ball, it will be crucial for this new offensive line to gain some confidence in this game by opening up some big holes for Thomas.
Lastly, this newly formed UNLV defense is going to get a big chance in Week 0 to create some havoc in the pass defense. If the Rebels secondary creates a two or more turnovers, win field position and give the offense a short field, UNLV may very well be in control of this game from start to finish.
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