en-us SportSpyder - The Latest UNLV Rebels Football News https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/news The question 'If Indiana can do it, why can't we?' hovers over Purdue more than any other school. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:42:33 GMT Scott Dochterman https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56337928 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56337928 true false LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Athletics has announced a lineup of theme games for the 2026 football season at Allegiant Stadium, including the annual Homecoming game that will feature new Mountain West member North Dakota State – a first-ever matchup currently scheduled for October 10. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:55:45 GMT University of Nevada Las Vegas Athletics https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56330063 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56330063 false false Mike Scherer has returned to UNLV to coach linebackers after one season at Purdue under former Rebels coach Barry Odom. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 02:29:05 GMT Ed Graney https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56301146 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56301146 false false LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Fans are invited to go online now to secure their free tickets to the UNLV football spring game, which is now set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, on campus. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:59:46 GMT University of Nevada Las Vegas Athletics https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56300713 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56300713 false false UNLV athletic director Erick Harper discussed launching an initiative to raise money toward the schoo’s current and future athletes to help build and keep competitive rosters. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:09:21 GMT Mick Akers https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56195719 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56195719 false false UNLV freshman QB sparks Tom Brady comparisons after coach Mullen’s high praise. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:50:37 GMT Ananya Mallick https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56158309 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56158309 false false UNLV quarterbacks Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji speak about things ranging from 2026 expectations to overcoming a serious injury. Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:58:17 GMT Ed Graney https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56138253 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56138253 false false Rothermel, who served as AD from 1981-1990, oversaw UNLV’s greatest run of athletic success. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:49:19 GMT Steve Carp https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56094731 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56094731 false false The end of March is near, which means that the ‘ Spring practice is near its end with the Red-White Spring scrimmage on Saturday, March 28. It’s been a relatively quiet Spring practice session, which began a little over a month ago. That may be something that the Huskers needed, especially after coming off a disappointing campaign in 2025 and all of the early offseason news. The 2026 Spring game is returning to its normal scrimmage format after last season’s event was more of a skills challenge and an exhibition flag football game. There are a few things for Husker fans interested in watching as Nebraska prepares for the fourth season in the Matt Rhule era. Three things to watch during the Nebraska Red-White Spring Game 1. Quarterback Battle This has been the story of the offseason. Two-year starter and former five-star prospect bolted into the transfer portal and eventually to the Oregon Ducks over the offseason. When Raiola suffered a season-ending injury against the USC Trojans, true freshman stepped into the spotlight and started the final four games of the season. Lateef had his moments, but Nebraska still lost three of the last four games. After the season, Nebraska added former Virginia and UNLV starter and former Nebraska and Virginia quarterback from the transfer portal. Colandrea is favored for the starting job after a breakout season at UNLV, throwing for nearly 3,500 yards and 23 touchdowns as the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year. It makes for an interesting quarterback battle the next few months, and the Spring game could have a lot of eyes on it to see who will be the starting quarterback at Nebraska this fall. 2. Run Defense: Improved or Not Nebraska’s run defense struggled last season. The Huskers’ defense seemingly could not stop the run, allowing 175 yards per game on the ground, which ranked as the 11th worst in the Power Four. This was a significant drop-off from 2024, when Nebraska was in the top 10 in run defense, allowing only 101 yards per game. There could be many reasons this happened in 2025. It could be the defensive coaching staff, which changed after former defensive coordinator Tony White left for Florida State. Could it be the losses of Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher to the NFL? It could be a mix of both. However, there will be a need for improvement going into 2026. Nebraska tried to address that need in some ways by recruiting interior defensive linemen in the portal to address the issue. Transfers (Boston College) and (Pittsburgh) could fill some holes that Nebraska needed on the defensive line. Also, edge rushers (UCLA) and (San Diego State) could make a difference as well. Regardless, it should be worth watching on Saturday. 3. Who’s Going to Step Up at Running Back? Breakout star running back is heading to the NFL. Now the question is, who’s going to take over as the bell cow running back? The three running backs who were behind Johnson this past season will now have a decent shot at getting into the spotlight. Those being junior , and sophomores and . Mekhi Nelson had the most touches among the three last season, with 27 carries for 127 yards and two touchdowns while catching eight passes for 102 yards. Like Johnson, Nelson is a threat in the run game and also the pass game. Kwinten Ives has also been a standout, but most of it has been recently. During bowl game preparation, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said that Ives had taken a step up. A lot of that has to do with why Nebraska didn’t snag a running back out of the portal this year. Mozee, a former wide receiver, saw some action as a running back as well in the running and passing games. He finished the season with 26 carries for 115 yards and 14 catches for 155 yards. Mozee could see more action in 2026, especially as a potential running back by committee during the upcoming season. How to Watch? 2026 Nebraska football Red-White Spring Game Date and Time: Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. CDT Location: Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska Television: Big Ten Network Main Photo: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:04:42 GMT Dylan Jurgens https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56054128 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56054128 false false Knowing these names is as important as ever as sitting head coaches have become more valued candidates for bigger jobs. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:15:44 GMT Chris Vannini https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56042016 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56042016 true false The Rebels opened spring practice Thursday with a few seniors leading the way in search of a replacement for quarterback Anthony Colandrea. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:40:15 GMT Ed Graney https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56037167 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56037167 false false The second edition of Spring Practice under head coach Dan Mullen at UNLV kicked off Thursday under above-average temperatures at Rebel Park. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:24:56 GMT University of Nevada Las Vegas Athletics https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56036986 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56036986 false false UNLV’s spring football practice begins Thursday, and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther thinks his side of the ball will be far ahead of this time last year. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:17:13 GMT Ed Graney https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56022842 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/56022842 false false More than 20 former UNLV football players worked out for NFL scouts, hoping to realize their dreams of playing at the next level. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 01:12:17 GMT Ed Graney https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/55997526 https://sportspyder.com/cf/unlv-rebels-football/articles/55997526 false false