UNLV enters the 2025 season with expectations, not excuses.
After back-to-back Mountain West title game appearances and an 11–3 finish in 2024, the Rebels hired Dan Mullen to finish what Barry Odom started. Caesars Sportsbook opened their win total at 8.5 — the highest in program history. ESPN’s FPI projects nearly 10 wins. And the schedule? It’s both manageable and brutal, depending on how you look at it.
There are no Oregon States or Washington States this time. The one-year alliance is over. This is a full Mountain West slate — and if UNLV is going to make it three title game appearances in a row, they’ll have to earn it.
Let’s break it down.
Week 1 – at Sam Houston (Aug. 30)
No gimme here. Sam Houston went 10–3 last year, finished third in C-USA, and had a top-20 pass defense (18th in opponent YPA). They’re rebuilding under a new staff, but Bowers Stadium is a tough opener. Mullen’s offense will need to be crisp out of the gate, because Sam Houston doesn’t give up explosive plays.
Prediction: Win, but with some early rust.
Week 2 – vs UCLA (Sept. 6)
This is the measuring stick. A Big Ten program in Allegiant Stadium, on national TV, and a shot to make a statement. UCLA is retooling under DeShaun Foster and just lost 6 of their top 8 tacklers, but they still have Power 4 athletes and a top-60 pass defense. This could be UNLV’s biggest game of the year — and their biggest opportunity.
Prediction: Toss-up. Home field could tip it.
Week 3 – vs Idaho State (Sept. 13)
The palate cleanser. Idaho State went 3–8 in the Big Sky last year and ranked near the bottom of the FCS in run defense. Expect this to be a chance for UNLV to rotate heavily, sharpen fundamentals, and get out healthy.
Prediction: Comfortable win.
Week 4 – at Miami (Ohio) (Sept. 20)
Arguably the toughest game of the nonconference slate. Miami went 10–4, finished second in the MAC, and had the No. 2 pass defense in the country (5.8 YPA). They’re disciplined, physical, and 5–1 at home in 2024. This one won’t be flashy — it’ll be about execution.
Prediction: Narrow win. Vegas sharpens its pencil.
Week 5 – BYE (Sept. 27)
Perfect timing. Four games in, two road trips down, and a chance to regroup before Mountain West play.
Week 6 – at Wyoming (Oct. 4)
Laramie in October. Thin air, cold wind, and a program that thrives on making games ugly. Wyoming’s offensive line returns four starters, and they’ll aim to grind down the clock. If UNLV isn’t careful, this turns into a rock fight.
Prediction: Win — but it could get sloppy.
Week 7 – vs Air Force (Oct. 11)
One of the most important games on the calendar. Air Force should be a top-3 Mountain West team and returns significant experience up front. Their offense chews clock and forces opponents to play clean, patient football. This is where Mullen earns his money.
Prediction: Swing game. Slight edge to UNLV at home.
Week 8 – at Boise State (Oct. 18)
The big one. UNLV has lost two straight title games to Boise, both by two scores. Now they go to the blue turf, where Boise returns QB Malachi Nelson and most of its line. This could decide hosting rights for the championship — or more. If UNLV wants to break through, it starts here.
Prediction: Loss. But if they win, they’re a CFP sleeper.
Week 9 – BYE (Oct. 25)
Well-placed second bye. Sets up a five-game sprint to the finish.
Week 10 – vs New Mexico (Nov. 1)
Jason Eck takes over in Albuquerque with a full rebuild ahead. They’ll be tough eventually, but this should be one-way traffic. A get-right game after Boise.
Prediction: UNLV rolls.
Week 11 – at Colorado State (Nov. 8)
Watch this one. CSU nearly made the 2024 title game and returns a good amount of skill talent. Fort Collins is a sneaky-tough place to win, and this could be a trap if UNLV is banged up.
Prediction: Toss-up. Lean UNLV if healthy.
Week 12 – vs Utah State (Nov. 15)
Bronco Mendenhall returns to coaching with a team that lost a lot and added over 30 transfers. The Aggies are talented but raw — and Allegiant won’t be a kind welcome.
Prediction: Win.
Week 13 – vs Hawai‘i (Nov. 22)
Las Vegas native Micah Alejado will be amped to face his hometown team. Hawai‘i has some offensive firepower, but their defense has struggled to stop anyone. Could be high-scoring.
Prediction: Win — with fireworks.
Week 14 – at Reno (Nov. 29)
Fremont Cannon. UNLV has won three straight, including a 38–14 beatdown last year. Rivalry game aside, this could decide bowl placement or even title implications. And you know Reno will be out for blood.
Prediction: Rebels keep the cannon red.
Final Thoughts
There are no Oregon States to dodge. No lucky schedules to exploit. This is a full-on, grown-man Mountain West schedule — and UNLV has no excuses. Boise and Colorado State are both on the road. Air Force comes to town. Every contender is in play.
But here’s the thing: the Rebels are built for this.
The defense is mature. The quarterback room is deep. The recruiting is legit. And Dan Mullen didn’t come out of retirement for mediocrity.
If UNLV goes 4–0 in nonconference play — and it’s very possible — then even a stumble at Boise might not stop them from getting back to the title game.
This is a schedule that asks one question: Are you ready to lead?
Dan Mullen says yes. Now we get to find out.