UNLV Football Spring Preview: Mullen Inherits an 11-Win Team — Now What?
Let’s not pretend this is a rebuild.
Dan Mullen didn’t take over a broken program. He walked into a team that just won 11 games, went to the Mountain West title game, and returned a solid core.
Spring ball is here, and it matters more than ever. Mullen’s system. New standards. Key battles across the depth chart. And the biggest question that’ll define the season:
QB Play Will Make or Break UNLV’s Season
Simple as that.
UNLV’s playoff hopes — yes, playoff hopes — will come down to quarterback play.
Anthony Colandrea enters spring as QB1. He transferred in from Virginia with experience, mobility, and the kind of command Mullen loves in his Pro Spread system. But don’t expect anything handed to him. This is going to be the most competitive QB battle UNLV has had in years.
And it has to be. Because the one thing Mullen’s system demands? A QB who can operate fast, smart, and under pressure.
If Colandrea wins the job and clicks early, UNLV can win the Mountain West — and be in the CFP conversation.
If the QB spot falters? The whole thing resets.
New Scheme, New Identity
• Offense: Pro Spread — Tempo, balance, movement. Mullen knows how to build offenses that score in bunches.
• Defense: Multiple 4-2-5 — Built for speed and flexibility, especially in a conference loaded with spread attacks and mobile QBs.
This spring is about getting that system installed and figuring out which guys fit it best.
Portal Moves That Matter
Mullen hit the transfer portal hard — and smart. A few instant-impact additions:
• JoJo Earle (WR, TCU): Speed threat in the slot who can change games in space.
• Keyvone Lee (RB, Mississippi State): Physical, SEC-tested runner who brings punch to the backfield.
• Denver Harris (CB, UTSA): Athletic, rangy, and likely CB1 by the time fall hits.
Mullen didn’t just fill holes — he brought in pieces that raise the ceiling.
Position Groups to Watch This Spring
• Quarterback: All eyes here. Colandrea leads for now, but this will be a battle into the fall.
• Wide Receiver: Earle is the headline, but there’s depth. Mullen wants explosive plays — someone has to step up and be WR1.
• Cornerback: With Harris in, there’s a chance to flip this unit into a strength. Coverage was shaky at times last year — now there’s legit talent.
Spring Scrimmage: April 6
UNLV wraps up spring with an open scrimmage at Allegiant Stadium on April 6. This will be the first real look at Mullen’s version of Rebel football.
Will the offense look polished? Probably not.
Will we see urgency, speed, and clear direction? That’s what matters right now.
2025 Schedule: Opportunity Is There
This schedule lines up perfectly for a fast start and national attention:
• Aug. 30 – @ Sam Houston
• Sept. 6 – vs UCLA
• Sept. 13 – vs Idaho State
• Sept. 20 – @ Miami (OH)
• Sept. 27 – BYE
• Oct. 4 – @ Wyoming
• Oct. 11 – vs Air Force
• Oct. 18 – @ Boise State
• Oct. 25 – BYE
• Nov. 1 – vs New Mexico
• Nov. 8 – @ Colorado State
• Nov. 15 – vs Utah State
• Nov. 22 – vs Hawaii
• Nov. 29 – @ Reno
That’s a schedule with 8–10 win potential — and if the QB spot clicks, maybe more.
Final Word: This Isn’t a Rebuild. It’s a Reset.
Dan Mullen was hired to win now.
He’s being paid to take this program to the next level.
Spring ball isn’t about waiting around to figure it out. It’s about setting the tone, establishing standards, and proving UNLV football isn’t a fluke — it’s here to stay.
The talent is there.
The schedule is there.
And now, we see if the leadership delivers.
Let’s ride.