15 Years Later — UNLV Football Is Back on the NFL Radar
The last time a UNLV player was drafted into the NFL, TikTok didn’t exist, the iPad wasn’t invented, and Joe Hawley was snapping footballs for the Atlanta Falcons.
That was 2010.
15 years. Zero draft picks.
But that drought might finally end in 2025.
Because what UNLV just did on the field? It was bigger than an 11-win season.
Bigger than a Top 25 finish.
Bigger than a bowl win.
For the first time in over a decade, UNLV has real NFL talent—and the league is paying attention.
The Year That Changed Everything
Barry Odom took over and wasted zero time.
UNLV went 11-3, beat Cal in the LA Bowl, and cracked the final AP Poll at No. 23.
They scored 35.4 points per game, held opponents to 21.3, and turned Allegiant into a real home field.
For years, UNLV was trying to get on the map.
Now? They’re building something sustainable—and the NFL presence proves it.
Ricky White’s Breakout — And 40-Yard Redemption
Let’s start with the most likely name to break the streak:
Ricky White III – WR – 6’1”, 185 lbs
2023: 88 REC | 1,483 YDS | 8 TD
2024: 79 REC | 1,041 YDS | 11 TD
East-West Shrine Bowl invite
Combine 40 time: 4.61
Pro Day 40 time: 4.44 (official)
Draft Projection: Rounds 4–6
Ricky was already one of the most productive wideouts in the country. Now he has the verified speed to match it.
That Pro Day performance turned heads. And it might’ve turned his projection from UDFA into a locked Day 3 pick.
He’s a separator. He’s polished. He’s dangerous after the catch.
And after Monday’s 4.44?
He might be the guy who ends UNLV’s draft drought.
Jackson Woodard — The Anchor of the Defense
Jackson Woodard – LB – 6’3”, 235 lbs
2024: 135 TKL | 17 TFL | 3.5 SK | 4 INT | 12 PBU | 5 QBH
Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year
NFL Projection: Round 6–7 or Priority UDFA
Woodard doesn’t just rack up stats—he dictates games.
Transferred from Arkansas and instantly became the alpha on defense. He’s instinctive, physical, and smart.
NFL scouts see special teams value right away, and some believe he’ll develop into a long-term MIKE.
Other Names Drawing NFL Looks
UNLV sent 14 players to Pro Day—and all 32 NFL teams were in attendance.
Here are some others drawing attention:
Cameron Oliver (CB) – Long, physical corner with 3 INT in 2024. Shrine Bowl watchlist.
Johnathan Baldwin (FS) – Playmaker in the back end. 3 INT, 10 PBU.
Antonio Doyle Jr. (EDGE) – Former Texas A&M recruit. 6.5 sacks in 2024.
Tiger Shanks (OT) – Massive frame. Potential swing OT/OG versatility.
Kaleo Ballungay (TE) – Red zone weapon. 6 touchdowns in 2024.
Hajj-Malik Williams (QB) – 19 pass TD, 9 rush TD. CFL interest possible.
This isn’t hype. This is production. UNLV has real pros in the building now.
What This Means
This draft isn’t about just one player getting a shot.
It’s about UNLV being back in the NFL pipeline.
For recruits, that’s massive.
For the city, it’s overdue.
For the program, it’s proof of concept.
The Rebels are on the board again.
And 2025 might just be the year that ends the silence.