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UNLV’s defensive line is no longer just a patchwork of transfers and stopgaps. For the first time in years, it looks like a real strength: deep, versatile, and lined with players who’ve seen live action and lived to tell about it.
This is Part 1 of a two-part breakdown on the defensive front. We’re starting with the guys who’ve already produced: some of the veterans, rotation locks, and hungry risers looking to carve out even more.
With Paul Guenther now overseeing the defense following Zach Arnett’s spring departure to Florida State, this group will be leaned on to control the trenches early and often.
Tunmise Adeleye (RS Soph., Texas A&M / Michigan State / Texas State)
6’4”, 275 lbs | 2024 PFF: 71.9 DEF, 71.6 PRSH | 6 pressures
Adeleye is the real deal. A former Top 50 national recruit with SEC and Big Ten stops, he showed out at Texas State in 2024 with one of the highest defensive line grades in the conference. He’s powerful, explosive off the snap, and capable of winning with both speed and technique. Guenther has a history of maximizing edge talent, and Adeleye could be the next in line.
Cory Hall (RS Jr., Northern Arizona)
6’5”, 285 lbs | 2024 PFF: 67.2 DEF, 59.7 PRSH | 7 pressures
Hall returned home to Vegas and immediately became one of the Rebels’ most reliable defenders. His frame fits perfectly at strong-side end or 4i, and he showed solid versatility in 384 snaps last season. While not a flashy pass-rusher, Hall is rugged, technically sound, and capable of anchoring his side of the line. He’s exactly the kind of every-down piece a defense needs.
Ose Egbase (Grad Student, UNLV)
6’4”, 260 lbs | 2023 PFF: 73.4 DEF, 74.0 PRSH | 5 sacks, 17 pressures2024 PFF: 58.7 DEF, 58.6 PRSH | 5 pressures
When he’s healthy, Egbase is explosive. His 2023 tape jumps as he is flexible off the edge, has fast hands, and a knack for disrupting. However, injuries slowed his 2024 production, and it dipped accordingly. Still, if he can channel the 2023 version of himself, he’ll be one of the best situational pass rushers in the Mountain West. High-upside rotational piece with starting ability.
Waisale Muavesi (Sr., UNLV)
6’3”, 290 lbs | 2024 PFF: 57.8 DEF, 70.2 TACK
A five-year Rebel who’s seen it all, Muavesi brings needed stability to the interior. He’s played over 500 snaps across multiple systems and always holds his own against the run. While he won’t rack up sacks, his value is in doing the dirty work. Staying gap-sound, winning leverage, and cleaning up on early downs. Every line needs a guy like this.
Andre Porter (RS Fr., UNLV)
6’2”, 240 lbs | 2024: 14 snaps, 1 sack, 54.7 DEF grade
Porter didn’t see much action in 2024, but he made it count, including a clean sack in limited reps. He’s undersized and still growing into the position, but his motor runs hot, and the twitch is real. If he takes the next step physically, he could develop into a useful sub-package edge rusher down the line.
Mohamed Altayeb (Jr., UNLV)
6’4”, 290 lbs | No PFF data
A Colorado native with an ideal frame for the interior, Altayeb is a bit of a mystery heading into fall camp. He has no college snaps on record but looks the part physically. If he can hold up in live reps, he could crack the early-down rotation inside.
Landen Thomas (Fr., UNLV)
6’3”, 270 lbs | No PFF data
Thomas brings an SEC-caliber build to the Mountain West — thick, long, and already 270 pounds as a true freshman. He played high-level ball in Louisiana and profiles well as a developmental 4i or strong-side end. He’s one to watch long term.
Kenji Scanlan (Fr., UNLV)
6’2”, 251 lbs | No PFF data
Scanlan comes out of Yelm High School in Washington and arrives as a raw but athletic edge body. He’s not ready for game reps just yet, but there’s something to work with. He could follow a similar trajectory to Porter, start on special teams, flash in practice, and earn spot duty late in the year.
Armand Ausbon (Soph., UNLV)
6’3”, 250 lbs | No PFF data
A second-year Rebel from Houston who hasn’t seen the field yet but has good tools and measurables. Ausbon is a wildcard, and every fall camp needs a few of those. If he takes a step forward in technique and play recognition, he could become a surprise name in the depth chart conversation.
Final Word
This group has a solid foundation: Adeleye is a breakout candidate with NFL traits. Hall brings experience and technique. Egbase has double-digit sack potential if healthy. Muavesi is a veteran plug. Porter, Altayeb, and Thomas offer developmental upside. Ausbon and Scanlan are long-term projects.
What ties them together is hunger. Whether it's Adeleye trying to prove he’s still that guy, Hall stepping into a bigger spotlight, or Egbase battling back for one last run, these dudes want it.
Many of them are hungry for a chance to play and showcase their true abilities.
Coming soon, Part 2.