LAS VEGAS – UNLV’s 2026 schedule added a new layer Tuesday, and it is not a small one.

The Rebels will host North Dakota State at Allegiant Stadium as part of the Mountain West’s updated opponent matrix, replacing a previously scheduled visit from UTEP. The matchup will mark the first meeting between the programs as the Bison transition to FBS.

The addition is more than a simple swap. North Dakota State brings a championship pedigree that translates, regardless of classification. For UNLV, it introduces a different kind of challenge to a schedule that already had plenty of weight.

The Rebels will play six home games at Allegiant Stadium: North Dakota State, NIU, Wyoming, UNR, Memphis and Cal. Conference road trips include Air Force, Hawai‘i, San José State and New Mexico, with nonconference travel to North Texas and Akron.

There is balance, but not much margin.

The home slate provides opportunity, particularly with Memphis and Cal making the trip to Las Vegas. At the same time, the road schedule presents its usual demands, from altitude at Air Force to the logistical trip to Hawai‘i. In the Mountain West, those details tend to matter in November.

All of it sets the stage for Year 2 under head coach Dan Mullen.

UNLV is coming off a 10-4 season that produced a Mountain West regular-season title, a third consecutive appearance in the conference championship game and a third straight bowl trip. The expectation has shifted from building to maintaining.

That is where this schedule becomes meaningful.

North Dakota State may be new to the FBS, but not to winning. NIU adds another new variable within the league. Memphis and Cal serve as nonconference measuring points. And conference play remains what it has been: physical, unpredictable and often decided late.

The structure is there. The opportunities are there.

Now it comes down to whether UNLV can handle both at the same time.

2026 UNLV Football Schedule:

Home (Allegiant Stadium)
UNR
North Dakota State
NIU
Wyoming
Memphis (Aug. 29)
Cal (Oct. 3)

Away
Air Force
Hawai‘i
New Mexico
San José State
North Texas (Sept. 12)
Akron (Sept. 26)

Game dates, kickoff times and television designations for conference matchups are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Season tickets for the 2026 home schedule are currently available.