(BCSNN) — The Dan Mullen era officially begins Saturday afternoon when UNLV opens its 2025 football season against Idaho State inside Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:03 p.m. PT, marking the earliest game in program history and the Rebels’ second-ever Week Zero appearance.
The matchup was moved up from its original Sept. 13 date to accommodate a world championship boxing event between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, scheduled for Mexican Independence Day weekend. But the spotlight now shifts to Mullen, the former Florida and Mississippi State head coach tasked with sustaining UNLV’s recent momentum following back-to-back winning seasons under Barry Odom.
Mullen, who owns an 11–2 record in season openers, inherits a program that went 11–3 last fall and reached the Mountain West title game. Known for his offensive acumen and quarterback development, Mullen has retooled the Rebels’ roster with more than 40 newcomers, including transfers from Michigan, Penn State, Alabama, and LSU. “We’re not rebuilding,” Mullen said. “We’re taking the next step.”
Despite the turnover, UNLV returns two key starters: junior running back Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas and senior linebacker Marsel McDuffie. Thomas rushed for 918 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 and enters the season as a preseason All-Mountain West selection. “Jet’s our tone-setter,” Mullen said. “He’s explosive, durable, and understands the moment.”
McDuffie, also named to the preseason all-conference team, anchors a defense that lost nine starters but gained depth through the portal. He recorded 46 tackles, two sacks, and four pass breakups last season, including a 13-tackle performance in the LA Bowl win over California. “Marsel’s leadership is invaluable,” defensive coordinator Bam Amina said. “He’s the heartbeat of our unit.”
The Rebels have yet to name a starting quarterback, with Michigan transfer Alex Orji and Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea both expected to see action. Mullen has praised both for their mobility and command of the offense, but emphasized that the run game and tempo will be central to UNLV’s identity. “We want to be explosive,” Mullen said. “We want to entertain and win.”
Idaho State, a member of the FCS Big Sky Conference, finished 5–7 last season and returns quarterback Kobe Tracy, who threw for over 3,000 yards in 2024. Mullen noted the Bengals’ ability to spread the field and score quickly. “They’ll challenge us schematically,” he said. “We have to be disciplined and aggressive.”
UNLV leads the all-time series 7–2, with all nine previous meetings won by the home team. Saturday’s game will be broadcast on the Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network and the Mountain West Network. With classes set to begin Monday, Mullen has called on students to help create a “big-time college football atmosphere” inside Allegiant Stadium. “This is Vegas,” he said. “Let’s make it feel like it.”
