Las Vegas, NV — In a game full of momentum swings and fourth-quarter drama, UNLV leaned on a monster performance from Jai’Den Thomas and a timely defensive stand to escape with a 38-31 win over Idaho State in their season opener — marking the first victory under new head coach Dan Mullen.
Mullen, coaching his first game since 2021 and now at the helm of a retooling UNLV program, earned the 12th season-opening win of his career. The former Florida and Mississippi State coach inherited a Rebels team that won 11 games last season but returned just two starters in 2025 — Thomas and linebacker Marsel McDuffie.
And it was Thomas who set the tone.
Thomas Takes Over:
The junior running back exploded for 147 rushing yards on just 10 carries, scoring three touchdowns, including breakaway runs of 39 and 70 yards to erase an early 10-0 deficit in the second quarter.
Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea contributed 195 passing yards, a touchdown, and 93 yards rushing, helping keep the offense afloat during key moments.
Despite the strong individual efforts, UNLV found themselves trailing 31-24 in the fourth quarter, struggling to put away an Idaho State squad that refused to back down.
Defense Makes the Difference:
The Rebels’ defense forced four interceptions, including three off Idaho State quarterback Jordan Cooke in the final 15 minutes.
Colandrea connected with Florida transfer Daejon Reynolds for a 9-yard touchdown to tie the game at 31-31. Then, following a pick, Michigan transfer quarterback Alex Orji scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown on a gutsy 4th-and-1 call to give UNLV the lead for good.
After yet another interception, UNLV had a chance to seal it, but kicker Ramon Villela missed a 41-yard field goal. Idaho State responded with one final drive, but a sack and intentional grounding penalty pushed them into a 4th-and-22 situation. Quandarius Keyes batted down Cooke’s last-ditch pass to secure the win for the Rebels.
Stat Leaders:
Jordan Cooke (Idaho State): 30-of-50, 380 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs
Dason Brooks (ISU): 27-yard rushing TD before halftime
Jai’Den Thomas (UNLV): 147 rushing yards, 3 TDs
Anthony Colandrea (UNLV): 195 pass yards, 93 rush yards, 1 TD
UNLV now looks ahead to building momentum under Mullen’s leadership, while the defensive secondary — despite giving up big yardage — showed its potential with multiple game-changing plays.
