https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/02/09/rebel-daily-drive-2-9-2026/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iOSrh19tmzg/hqdefault.jpgRebel Daily Drive 2/9/2026UNLV’s last two late leads produced different results: a 98-96 loss at Fresno State and an 80-78 win over Grand Canyon. The Feb 9 Rebel Daily Drive follows the possessions that put both finishes in danger. At Fresno State, UNLV led by five in the final seconds and watched seven unanswered points end the night. Against GCU, it went the final 2:41 without a field goal and made six straight late free throws to hold on. I look at the possessions that let those leads shrink and why the trips to the line produced a different result against the Lopes. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 29 while playing all 40 minutes against Grand Canyon, with Tyrin Jones out because of a shoulder injury and Howie Fleming Jr. unavailable with an ankle injury. Jacob Bannarbie supplied 15 rebounds and five assists. That work helped UNLV survive without two starters, even as 10 second-half turnovers gave Grand Canyon more chances to come back. We discuss how coach Josh Pastner can get more help around his main scorer and keep another late lead from depending on a perfect trip to the line. The episode also examines North Dakota State’s football-only Mountain West discussions as they stood at recording, with an announcement approaching. We consider whether the Bison’s depth, recurring spending and travel preparation can carry their FCS success into a full FBS schedule. Entrance payments begin that commitment rather than cover it. Watch the Feb 9 episode below.https://www.youtube.com/embed/iOSrh19tmzg https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/02/11/rebel-daily-drive-2-11-2026-is-live/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/M9Y-2APmHBA/hqdefault.jpgRebel Daily Drive 2/11/2026UNLV won its second straight game Tuesday, but a 13-point lead shrank to three before the Rebels held off San José State 82-75. In the Feb 11 Rebel Daily Drive, I look at what improved before that uncomfortable finish: Kimani Hamilton’s 23 points and 10 rebounds, Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn’s 40-minute night and the rim protection Tyrin Jones restored in his return from a shoulder injury. Jones also supplied the late basket UNLV needed. With the Spartans within one possession, Issac Williamson found him for a layup with 2:33 left, ending the Rebels’ 6:23 field-goal drought and stretching the lead to five. Josh Pastner’s push for quick decisions has produced better passing possessions, but the final minutes still showed how quickly the offense can stall. Bison Wire joins me for the football portion of the episode to discuss North Dakota State’s acceptance of a football-only invitation to the Mountain West for 2026. The Bison bring 10 FCS national championships, a substantial financial commitment and a fan base accustomed to winning. We discuss the move from NDSU’s perspective, the league’s changing membership and what it means for UNLV. Financial terms and postseason restrictions were still developing when this Feb 11 conversation was recorded. Watch the Feb 11 episode below for the basketball finish and the separate conversation with Bison Wire about NDSU’s move.https://www.youtube.com/embed/M9Y-2APmHBA https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/02/13/how-the-rebels-rally-from-23-down-to-shock-boise-state-86-83-in-ot/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QDXFFu6FKGg/hqdefault.jpgUNLV at Boise State Basketball Highlights | 2025-26 SeasonBOISE, Idaho — Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn’s deep 3-pointer tied a game UNLV had trailed by 23 points. His drive in overtime finally put the Rebels ahead, and Walter Brown’s last defensive rebound helped them finish an 86-83 win over Boise State on Friday at ExtraMile Arena. Gibbs-Lawhorn scored a career-high 36, including 25 in the second half, but the recovery also needed Kimani Hamilton’s second-half threes, Issac Williamson’s overtime tying shot and Brown’s final rebound. UNLV came back from 32-9 and a 17-point deficit with less than nine minutes left without leading in regulation. UNLV improved to 13-12 overall and 8-6 in the Mountain West with its third straight win, completing its first regular-season sweep of Boise State since 2019. Gibbs-Lawhorn shot 13-for-22 overall and 6-for-12 from 3-point range and made all four free throws. His point total was the highest by a Rebel since Bryce Hamilton scored 42 at Colorado State in 2022. The sweep moved UNLV a game ahead of Boise State in the league standings after the teams entered with identical conference records. The first meeting featured 18 lead changes and 19 ties. Friday had only one lead change, in overtime. For much of the first half, there was little suggestion that UNLV would have a chance to win. The Rebels made three of their first 19 shots while Drew Fielder and Boise State’s shooters built the 23-point lead. UNLV made five of its last six attempts before halftime to get within 40-29, but the Broncos pushed the margin back to 64-47 with 8:55 left. UNLV produced one field goal during the first seven minutes. Later, consecutive Rebel turnovers led to back-to-back Pearson Carmichael 3-pointers. Fielder finished with 27 points on 9-for-14 shooting, including 5-for-6 from 3-point range. His range had already hurt UNLV ihttps://www.youtube.com/embed/QDXFFu6FKGg https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/02/17/rebels-ride-momentum-into-rematch-with-colorado-state/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/huUwRp6vxUA/hqdefault.jpgUNLV Head Coach Josh Pastner’s Media Availability ahead of their match up against Colorado StateLAS VEGAS — Colorado State got 12 offensive rebounds and 16 second-chance points the first time it played UNLV. The Rebels also committed 16 turnovers and missed 10 free throws, giving away a late five-point lead in a 70-62 loss Jan 9 in Fort Collins. Their three-game winning streak has brought improvement in those areas just in time for Wednesday’s rematch. Both teams have won three straight. UNLV is 13-12 overall and 8-6 in the Mountain West, while the Rams are 15-10 and 6-8. Tipoff at the Thomas & Mack Center is 8:00 PM Pacific on CBS Sports Network. The rematch tests whether Josh Pastner’s smaller rotation can protect the ball and finish rebounds against the same opponent that punished both problems in January. Pastner’s request for a crowd came with an acknowledgment that UNLV is not playing for an at-large berth. He distinguished a meaningful conference game from the larger stakes of being in a projected NCAA field or contending for first place. The Rebels still need a home advantage, he said, while accepting that better results have to help bring supporters back. Wednesday gives them a home rematch against a team below them in the standings and playing better, too. “We’ve got to be better so the fans come out,” Pastner said. He wants UNLV to earn back their trust through its play. “They out-toughed us last game, the way I looked at it,” Pastner said Tuesday. He pointed to UNLV’s 16 turnovers and Colorado State’s 12 offensive rebounds for 16 second-chance points. The Rebels led 56-51 with just under seven minutes left in January but made only one field goal over the final nine minutes. The Rams finished on a 16-4 run. The rematch also brings a clearer choice about who plays. Pastner said Tuesday that using 10 or 11 players earlier in the season had sometimes disruhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/huUwRp6vxUA https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/02/23/rebels-head-coach-josh-pastner-media-availability-2-23-2026/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Kapb1SKNTWA/hqdefault.jpg#UNLVMBB HC Josh Pastner's media availbility ahead of their Wednesday Night showdown with GCUUNLV can complete a season sweep and draw even with Grand Canyon in the Mountain West standings Wednesday. The Feb 7 meeting showed both the opportunity and the problem: six made free throws in the final 38 seconds were needed to protect an 80-78 win after a late 15-point lead nearly vanished. Coach Josh Pastner spoke with reporters Feb 23 after a 91-66 win at Air Force moved UNLV to 14-13 overall and 9-7 in the league. Forward Kimani Hamilton scored 27 and guard Howie Fleming Jr. recorded a triple-double. Grand Canyon is one game ahead of UNLV. Wednesday’s winner will either share that position or open a two-game gap with three regular-season games left. Pastner’s Feb 23 availability is below.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kapb1SKNTWA https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/02/28/dra-gibbs-lawhorns-42-point-night-powers-unlv-past-unr-85-83-in-an-overtime-rivalry-classic/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2bUoLi194eU/hqdefault.jpgUNLV Runnin' Rebels - Post Game Press Conference - UNR - 2-28-26LAS VEGAS — Tyrin Jones and Howie Fleming Jr. finished the win Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn’s 42 points had kept alive. With the leading scorer fouled out, Fleming rebounded a missed free throw and sent Jones ahead for the layup that beat Reno 85-83 in overtime Saturday. Jones then disrupted Reno’s last possession to preserve the win at the Thomas & Mack Center. The freshman had missed two free throws moments earlier, then recovered to decide the 103rd meeting in the rivalry. This kid is beyond special— UNLV Men’s Basketball (@TheRunninRebels) Mar 1, 2026 Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 42 on 14-for-22 shooting, including 8-for-14 from 3-point range and 6-for-6 at the foul line. He played more than 42 minutes and added four rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block. His seventh 3-pointer tied the game near the end of regulation. His eighth opened UNLV’s overtime scoring after Fleming recovered a miss. All eight UNLV threes belonged to Gibbs-Lawhorn; teammates went 0-for-5. Jacob Bannarbie and Jones supplied finishes near the rim, and Fleming created chances with rebounds and passes. That division of work became essential once the 42-point scorer could no longer play. The total tied the ninth-highest single-game mark in UNLV history, matching Bryce Hamilton’s 42 at Colorado State in 2022. J.R. Rider scored 44 against Reno. UNLV gave Reno its first basket when a turnover with 19:21 left became a transition layup seconds later. The Wolf Pack eventually led 18-12, forcing the Rebels to respond to another slow start. Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 18 of UNLV’s 35 first-half points, going 7-for-9 overall and 4-for-5 from 3-point range. Reno led 37-35 at halftime. UNLV moved ahead 54-47 with 12:38 left, its largest lead. Reno erased it with a 12-0 run, turning a seven-point deficit into a five-pointhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/2bUoLi194eU https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/03/03/unlv-blows-out-utah-state-92-65-as-hamilton-leads-rebels-second-half-surge/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KU7ulknza-I/hqdefault.jpgHowie Fleming, Kimani Hamilton, and Josh Pastner after the UNLV’s blowout win vs Utah State #UNLVMBBLAS VEGAS — Howie Fleming Jr. grabbed a missed free throw with eight seconds left in the first half Tuesday and found Tyrin Jones for a dunk before the horn. UNLV went into halftime ahead 32-24, with its leading scorer still scoreless. That rebound and pass previewed a 92-65 win built around the players Utah State left room to use. Fleming finished with his second triple-double in four games, five Rebels reached double figures and the team scored 60 after halftime on Senior Night at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV had opened with a turnover that became a Mason Falslev 3-pointer and fell behind 9-4. The response grew through Jones’ rim runs, Issac Williamson’s shooting and Kimani Hamilton’s attacks. UNLV just absolutely crushed Utah State in Vegas. It wasn’t even a good Dra Gibbs Lawhorn game. The Runnin Rebels sure look like a bid stealing candidate. Especially if DGL plays well. Veteran guard Howie Fleming Jr. scored 12 points with nine rebounds and 12 assists.…— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) Mar 4, 2026 I BELIEVE THAT WE JUST WON (AGAIN)— UNLV Men's Basketball (@TheRunninRebels) Mar 4, 2026 UNLV shot 57.6% from the field and assisted on 21 of its 34 made baskets. The Rebels finished with 46 points in the paint, 18 fast-break points and 35 points from the bench. The Rebels won the rebounding battle 36-30 and turned nine Utah State turnovers into 10 points. They had enough ways to create a shot that an Aggies defense leaning toward Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn kept leaving another Rebel available. A Rebound Becomes a Run Utah State created extra chances early. Zach Keller tipped in a miss, and Karson Templin supplied another second-chance finish while the Rebels were missing jumpers. Those possessions helped the Aggies build their 9-4 lead and brought some early tension into the buihttps://www.youtube.com/embed/KU7ulknza-I https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/03/10/mountain-west-tournament-week-has-arrived-in-las-vegas/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gc-_odrHxg0/hqdefault.jpgWyoNation Roundup - Mountain West Madness PreviewI joined the WyoNation Roundup to discuss how UNLV can get enough scoring around Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn to beat Wyoming in the Mountain West tournament. A win would create a third meeting with Utah State. Kimani Hamilton needs to stay on the floor, with Tyrin Jones and Howie Fleming Jr. supplying help rather than leaving Gibbs-Lawhorn to carry each possession. We begin with Wyoming before looking at the possible Utah State rematch. Watch below:https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gc-_odrHxg0 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/03/11/hamilton-jones-rescue-unlv-after-second-half-collapse-in-73-70-mountain-west-tournament-win-over-wyoming/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4CadLisp-fw/hqdefault.jpgHIGHLIGHTS: Wyoming vs UNLV Men's Basketball 3/11/2026LAS VEGAS — Forward Kimani Hamilton’s three-point play and Tyrin Jones’ block supplied the finish UNLV’s leading scorer could not Wednesday. The eighth-seeded Rebels survived a second-half collapse to beat Wyoming 73-70 in the Mountain West tournament first round. The Rebels trailed 70-68 coming out of a timeout. Hamilton attacked the paint, made the basket with 19 seconds left and converted the free throw for a 71-70 lead. UNLV had lost its double-digit first-half advantage; now it needed one stop to keep the season alive in the tournament. Wyoming then got another offensive rebound. After Nasir Meyer missed with six seconds left, Damarion Dennis tried a putback, but Jones slid across the lane and blocked it with three seconds remaining. Hamilton secured the rebound and made two free throws, denying the Cowboys another second chance and extending the lead to three. Hamilton finished with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jones blocked six shots. The Rebels advanced to face top-seeded Utah State at noon Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV Athletics UNLV STAYIN ALIVE ‼️— Mountain West (@MountainWest) Mar 11, 2026 UNLV coach Josh Pastner said afterward that the Rebels sought a switch that would leave Meyer defending Hamilton. Hamilton backed Meyer toward the basket, turned and finished while drawing the foul. Hamilton finished with two fouls in 32 minutes, a change for a scorer whose minutes have often been interrupted by foul trouble. Afterward, he emphasized avoiding early fouls. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn’s 15 points all came before halftime. Hamilton and Walter Brown carried the late scoring, while Jones had to protect the narrow lead at the rim. UNLV advanced by finding those contributions after Wyoming took its primary scorer out of the second-half offense.https://www.youtube.com/embed/4CadLisp-fw https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/03/11/mountain-west-hoops-talk-with-the-pit-press-go-lopes-radio/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hRLyNQx2uvQ/hqdefault.jpgMWC Men's Basketball Tourney Roundtable - Our picks, our takes, with a little Vegas flare! Tune in!UNLV is playing its best basketball late, and I still feel less comfortable with Wyoming than I would with another Utah State meeting. The Aggies lost both regular-season games to the Rebels; Wyoming is the first hurdle in Las Vegas. That is the tension I brought to this Mountain West roundtable with The Pit Press and Go Lopes Radio. There is recent history behind that unease: Wyoming beat UNLV 98-66 in the teams’ only regular-season meeting, with Leland Walker scoring 28. UNLV’s pre-tournament game notes also had the Cowboys arriving on a three-game winning streak. The Utah State sweep did not erase that first matchup. The roundtable also examines where Grand Canyon fits in the region and the tournament opportunities for teams across the West. The full conversation runs about an hour. Watch below:https://www.youtube.com/embed/hRLyNQx2uvQ https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/03/17/unlv-gets-another-chance-rebels-embrace-nit-test-at-uc-irvine-as-josh-pastner-pushes-rebuild-forward/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/naIBf9vtPII/hqdefault.jpgJosh Pastner Presser Ahead of UNLV's Matchup vs UC IrvinePhoto: Guy Curtright / The Scarlet Standard LAS VEGAS — UC Irvine’s defense gives UNLV another test of the decisions that failed against Utah State. Josh Pastner has brought his players back from the start of spring break for an 8:00 PM NIT opener Tuesday at the Bren Events Center. Issac Williamson had gone to California and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn was asleep when the invitation arrived. Williamson returned, Gibbs-Lawhorn got Pastner’s call, and the available Rebels chose to continue a season the Mountain West tournament loss had interrupted. “Everybody’s playing,” Pastner said. “Everybody wanted to play. Nobody even questioned it.” Photo: Guy Curtright / The Scarlet Standard “We need all the momentum we can get,” he said. He wanted the postseason to help UNLV get attention and carry improvement into next season. The invitation put UNLV, 17-16, in the NIT for the second time in three seasons. The Rebels reached the quarterfinals in 2024 after going without a postseason appearance since the 2013 NCAA Tournament. This is another chance to play beyond the conference tournament, with the first assignment already set: an 8:00 PM game at the Bren Events Center on ESPNU. The winner faces Tulsa or Stephen F. Austin in the second round. UC Irvine enters 23-11 overall and 15-5 in the Big West. Its defense gives UNLV a problem to solve: the Anteaters are in the national top five in field goal percentage defense at 38.4% and blocks at 5.9 per game, and in the top 10 in defensive rebounding. A rushed attempt at the rim can become a blocked shot or the end of the possession without a second chance. Kyle Evans leads the country with 3.33 blocks per game. Pastner saw UNLV’s guards leave their feet before deciding what to do against Utah State. Against Evans, coming to a stop on two feet giveshttps://www.youtube.com/embed/naIBf9vtPII https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/04/04/rebel-daily-drive-4-4-2026-dra-enters-portal-tyrin-stays-unlv-reset-begins/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GdolqTqEamY/hqdefault.jpgDra Gibbs-Lawhorn Enters Portal, Tyrin Jones Stays & UNLV Reset BeginsDra Gibbs-Lawhorn is entering the transfer portal while Tyrin Jones stays at UNLV. The Apr 4 Rebel Daily Drive examines how keeping an interior scorer and potentially replacing the leading guard shape Josh Pastner’s next roster. Jones gives Pastner an established target inside. The guards he adds have to deliver the ball and make the defense respect the perimeter. We discuss those connected jobs and how Gibbs-Lawhorn’s portal decision affects the search. Watch or listen to the full episode below as Pastner begins his second offseason at UNLV. https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/545a3e57-d8a1-4753-9f7d-2db898a49a50/episodes/59c5250c-e5be-451b-97e9-2d2fcd69fb4a/the-scarlet-standard-rebel-daily-drive-4-4-2026-dra-enters-portal-tyrin-stays-unlv-reset-begins Follow The Scarlet Standard on TikTok: @ss_medialvhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/GdolqTqEamY https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/04/15/rebel-daily-drive-4-15-2026-cam-miles-in-unlv-roster-taking-shape/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YhktCbKBBjA/hqdefault.jpgCam Miles Commits to UNLV as Josh Pastner Starts Portal BuildCam Miles can get downhill and handle the ball. His 16 made threes on 74 attempts at Florida State also explain why UNLV’s first portal addition cannot be the end of Josh Pastner’s backcourt recruiting. In the Apr 15 Rebel Daily Drive, I look at the guard Miles could become and the help he needs around him. If opponents crowd his drive, the next pass has to reach somebody they are afraid to leave open. I also look at the roster and portal window through those needs: who can supply scoring, make the next perimeter shot and hold up defensively beside Miles. Watch on YouTube: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you care about UNLV tradition, take 10 seconds and sign this: https://www.change.org/p/restore-heyreb-as-the-beloved-mascot-of-unlv Grab your Scarlet Standard gear: The Scarlet Standard Brand Triblend Tee Use code SSM10 for 10% off.https://www.youtube.com/embed/YhktCbKBBjA https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/04/17/rebel-daily-drive-4-18-2026-mj-thomas-commits-terrence-ford-visits-unlv-roster-taking-shape/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/__EGk6YU9V8/hqdefault.jpgMJ Thomas Commits, Terrence Ford Visits & UNLV Roster Takes ShapeMJ Thomas is committed to UNLV; visiting guard Terrance Ford Jr. remains a recruiting possibility. The Apr 18 Rebel Daily Drive separates what Thomas’s rebounding adds now from the organizing role Ford could fill if he joins the roster. The episode follows three different roster questions for coach Josh Pastner: where Thomas fits inside, how Ford might run the offense and what shooting is still needed around them. Mike Cooper also examines Howie Fleming Jr., Jacob Bannarbie and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn entering the portal, including Gibbs-Lawhorn’s move to Texas Tech and the production those departures leave to replace. 0:00 Resetting The Roster4:45 Why Fans Need To Pump The Brakes15:33 MJ Thomas Breakdown26:41 Terrance Ford Jr. Visit34:20 DGL, Howie, Jacob Portal Fallout37:06 Remaining Roster Needs40:56 Final Thoughts Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: Join the movement to bring back Hey Rebhttps://www.change.org/p/restore-heyreb-as-the-beloved-mascot-of-unlv Grab your Scarlet Standard gearhttps://vegasvarsity.com/products/the-scarlet-standard-brand-triblend-teeUse code SSM10 for 10% off Join our community at The Scarlet Standardhttps://the-scarlet-standard.com Follow The Scarlet Standard on TikTok: @ss_medialvhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/__EGk6YU9V8 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/04/18/terrance-ford-jr-to-unlv-what-the-tulsa-transfer-brings-to-rebels-backcourt/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FY842ap8rC8/hqdefault.jpgTerrance Ford Jr Highlights - Arkansas State (2024-25)Terrance Ford Jr. has committed to UNLV with two seasons of eligibility left, adding an experienced point guard to Josh Pastner’s changing backcourt. He led the Sun Belt in assists during his last full season at Arkansas State, then missed 2025-26 at Tulsa after wrist surgery. Tulsa Athletics The 6-foot-1, 177-pound Chicago guard has two years of eligibility remaining. He made 69 appearances and 47 starts over three seasons at Arkansas State, playing a substantial point-guard role before the injury interruption at Tulsa. UNLV is adding that experience alongside younger guards Cam Miles and Issac Williamson. Tulsa transfer guard Terrance Ford Jr. has committed to UNLV, his agent Parker St.Pierre of Always On Sports Agency tells @PeteNakos. Former Arkansas State transfer. https://t.co/DPpwUanDsI pic.twitter.com/hzTtz3weqt— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) Apr 18, 2026 Ford averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 assists in his redshirt sophomore season at Arkansas State, making 40.4% of his threes. He finished with a league-leading 170 assists and a 2.33 assist-to-turnover ratio. His conference averages were stronger still: 6.28 assists and a 3.05 ratio. He had three games with at least 10 assists and earned Sun Belt All-Tournament Team recognition. The passing came with a substantial workload. Ford started 31 of 35 games and averaged 30.2 minutes in 2024-25. He recorded 266 assists across his Arkansas State career, with 170 coming in that final season. Arkansas State also gave him late-season games with something at stake. The Red Wolves won the Sun Belt regular-season championship, lost to Troy in the conference tournament final and reached the NIT’s second round. That NIT trip was Arkansas State’s first postseason appearance since 1999. He could score without abandoning the pashttps://www.youtube.com/embed/FY842ap8rC8https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oA8pwdIAn8U/hqdefault.jpgTerrance Ford Jr | Ball Guard | Arkansas StateTerrance Ford Jr. has committed to UNLV with two seasons of eligibility left, adding an experienced point guard to Josh Pastner’s changing backcourt. He led the Sun Belt in assists during his last full season at Arkansas State, then missed 2025-26 at Tulsa after wrist surgery. Tulsa Athletics The 6-foot-1, 177-pound Chicago guard has two years of eligibility remaining. He made 69 appearances and 47 starts over three seasons at Arkansas State, playing a substantial point-guard role before the injury interruption at Tulsa. UNLV is adding that experience alongside younger guards Cam Miles and Issac Williamson. Tulsa transfer guard Terrance Ford Jr. has committed to UNLV, his agent Parker St.Pierre of Always On Sports Agency tells @PeteNakos. Former Arkansas State transfer. https://t.co/DPpwUanDsI pic.twitter.com/hzTtz3weqt— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) Apr 18, 2026 Ford averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 assists in his redshirt sophomore season at Arkansas State, making 40.4% of his threes. He finished with a league-leading 170 assists and a 2.33 assist-to-turnover ratio. His conference averages were stronger still: 6.28 assists and a 3.05 ratio. He had three games with at least 10 assists and earned Sun Belt All-Tournament Team recognition. The passing came with a substantial workload. Ford started 31 of 35 games and averaged 30.2 minutes in 2024-25. He recorded 266 assists across his Arkansas State career, with 170 coming in that final season. Arkansas State also gave him late-season games with something at stake. The Red Wolves won the Sun Belt regular-season championship, lost to Troy in the conference tournament final and reached the NIT’s second round. That NIT trip was Arkansas State’s first postseason appearance since 1999. He could score without abandoning the pashttps://www.youtube.com/embed/oA8pwdIAn8Uhttps://i.ytimg.com/vi/0lpeVq0ejug/hqdefault.jpgTerrance Ford highlights vs Troy!Terrance Ford Jr. has committed to UNLV with two seasons of eligibility left, adding an experienced point guard to Josh Pastner’s changing backcourt. He led the Sun Belt in assists during his last full season at Arkansas State, then missed 2025-26 at Tulsa after wrist surgery. Tulsa Athletics The 6-foot-1, 177-pound Chicago guard has two years of eligibility remaining. He made 69 appearances and 47 starts over three seasons at Arkansas State, playing a substantial point-guard role before the injury interruption at Tulsa. UNLV is adding that experience alongside younger guards Cam Miles and Issac Williamson. Tulsa transfer guard Terrance Ford Jr. has committed to UNLV, his agent Parker St.Pierre of Always On Sports Agency tells @PeteNakos. Former Arkansas State transfer. https://t.co/DPpwUanDsI pic.twitter.com/hzTtz3weqt— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) Apr 18, 2026 Ford averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 assists in his redshirt sophomore season at Arkansas State, making 40.4% of his threes. He finished with a league-leading 170 assists and a 2.33 assist-to-turnover ratio. His conference averages were stronger still: 6.28 assists and a 3.05 ratio. He had three games with at least 10 assists and earned Sun Belt All-Tournament Team recognition. The passing came with a substantial workload. Ford started 31 of 35 games and averaged 30.2 minutes in 2024-25. He recorded 266 assists across his Arkansas State career, with 170 coming in that final season. Arkansas State also gave him late-season games with something at stake. The Red Wolves won the Sun Belt regular-season championship, lost to Troy in the conference tournament final and reached the NIT’s second round. That NIT trip was Arkansas State’s first postseason appearance since 1999. He could score without abandoning the pashttps://www.youtube.com/embed/0lpeVq0ejug https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/04/18/rebel-daily-drive-4-18-2026-unlv-spring-ball-report-qb-battle-cam-santee-rising/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XihsP-PJ3aE/hqdefault.jpgUNLV Spring Ball Report: QB Battle, Cam Santee Rising & Dan Mullen’s BuildCam Santee’s communication gives us a place to start the Apr 18 spring-ball discussion. Paul Guenther has praised the Holy Cross transfer’s calls before the snap, and Michael Matsumoto sees him adding energy to a defense that needs to finish the plays those calls begin. In the Apr 18 Rebel Daily Drive, Matsumoto and I discuss Dan Mullen’s practices and scrimmages, with the competition between Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji still open. We also work through the added size on both lines and the running backs behind Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas. Tre Fulton’s secondary work gives us another part of that defensive picture. We discuss how the checks are reaching teammates under Guenther and Mike Scherer as spring practices and scrimmages continue. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: Watch on YouTube: Follow The Scarlet Standard on TikTok: @ss_medialv Grab your Scarlet Standard gear: The Scarlet Standard Brand Triblend Tee Use code SSM10 for 10% off.https://www.youtube.com/embed/XihsP-PJ3aE https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/04/20/rebel-daily-drive-4-20-2026-terrence-ford-on-choosing-unlv-injury-comeback-and-dog-mentality/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4nBBhYTc3pk/hqdefault.jpgTerrence Ford Jr. Talks Choosing UNLV, Injury Comeback & Dog MentalityTerrance Ford Jr. says UNLV fans are getting “a dog.” The Chicago guard is bringing that confidence to Las Vegas after an injury comeback and college stops at Arkansas State and Tulsa. On the Apr 20 Rebel Daily Drive, Ford discussed how his Chicago background and injury recovery shaped that confidence, why he chose Josh Pastner and what he believes he can bring to UNLV’s rebuilt roster. Watch on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen on Spotify: Read the player breakdown: Terrance Ford Jr. to UNLV: What The Tulsa Transfer Brings to Rebels Backcourt As always, appreciate you reading and supporting The Scarlet Standard.https://www.youtube.com/embed/4nBBhYTc3pk https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/04/25/unlv-spring-football-press-conference-mullen-arnold-and-pope-on-spring-takeaways/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0RCJ4D1BU1I/hqdefault.jpgUNLV Spring Football: Dan Mullen, Jackson Arnold & Jake Pope TakeawaysUNLV left the final spring scrimmage with three quarterbacks throwing touchdown passes and no settled starter. Dan Mullen, Jackson Arnold and Jake Pope addressed different parts of the summer assignment afterward: quarterback preferences in the offense, defensive communication and dependable combinations from the added depth. “We have a great foundation leaving spring,” Mullen said after the scrimmage. More than 3,000 fans attended the game at Rebel Park. Jackson Arnold threw a touchdown to Jaylon Glover and ran for another. Alex Orji threw a scoring pass to Amorion Walker, who also caught a touchdown from freshman Derek Garcia. Arnold addressed learning Mullen’s offense, developing chemistry with teammates and the competition in the quarterback room. Jake Pope discussed defensive communication and leadership, while Mullen said the staff still had positions to settle despite the added depth. Mullen’s next steps included reviewing the quarterbacks’ preferences before putting together the summer package. He wanted to hear what they liked and what they did not, with Arnold still learning the offense and Orji working through his return. Arnold described the under-center, more pro-style elements as something he wanted to add to his game. Mullen said the younger backs showed explosive ability but still had to understand pass protection and pressure responsibilities. His summer plan included recovery, strength work and reviewing the offense and defense before training camp. Watch the full press conference below.https://www.youtube.com/embed/0RCJ4D1BU1I https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/04/26/rebel-daily-drive-4-26-2026-new-unlv-guard-cam-miles-on-his-journey-fit-and-rebel-future/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NNJuq2Se09U/hqdefault.jpgCam Miles Talks Choosing UNLV, Josh Pastner & His Rebel FutureCam Miles says the pass can be clear before he makes it. Taking another dribble sometimes lets that chance move away. “I feel like I make the right reads, but I take like an extra dribble or something like that,” Miles told me. He also identified shooting, vocal leadership and defense as areas he wants to improve. In our Apr 26 interview, Miles connects that timing issue to the work ahead at UNLV. We discuss his departure from Florida State, his decision to come to Las Vegas and how he wants to develop at UNLV. The full conversation is below. Watch on YouTube: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/embed/NNJuq2Se09U https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/05/04/dontrez-williams-to-unlv-evaluating-the-lindenwood-transfers-fit-identity-and-impact/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y2zzacV9EXM/hqdefault.jpgDontrez Williams 2024-2025 Season Makes - Abilene Christian - NCAALAS VEGAS — Dontrez Williams gives UNLV a wing who can take the ball away and help finish a defensive possession on the glass. His 75 steals set Lindenwood’s Division I-era record. Josh Pastner’s rotation has to preserve that value while managing Williams’ shooting and turnovers. Williams’ final Lindenwood game, on Mar 5, shows both sides of the assignment. His steal and fast-break layup gave the Lions a two-point lead with 1:24 left in the Ohio Valley tournament, but Southeast Missouri State scored the last four points and won on a jumper with three seconds remaining. Williams averaged 15.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 steals at Lindenwood. At 6-foot-5, he gives Pastner a wing who can contribute on the glass as well as pursue the ball. I like the addition of Dontrez Williams for UNLV.Averaged 15.2 ppg. 28% from 3pt and 61% at the rim. Has physical tools. Cam Miles, Tyler Harris, MJ Thomas, and Williams all feel like boom or bust guys.— JPR (@Scouting_Col) May 4, 2026 I like this addition most if UNLV resists asking him to carry the same scoring workload he handled last season. There is value in a player who can help win the ball, run and finish a possession without having to create a difficult shot every other trip. Pastner has to build a lineup that lets Williams do that while keeping the lane open enough for everybody else. His final game also showed why describing him only as a gambler would be unfair. Williams had seven rebounds in the first half, when Lindenwood built a nine-point lead. Anias Futrell supplied 15 first-half points. Williams was helping secure possessions while another Lion carried the scoring, long before the steal and layup briefly put Lindenwood ahead at the end. Williams finished the season with 114 defensive rebounds. Jadis Jones and Milos Nehttps://www.youtube.com/embed/y2zzacV9EXMhttps://i.ytimg.com/vi/_H7U34Fb4Ag/hqdefault.jpgDontrez Williams | Wing Versatile | LindenwoodLAS VEGAS — Dontrez Williams gives UNLV a wing who can take the ball away and help finish a defensive possession on the glass. His 75 steals set Lindenwood’s Division I-era record. Josh Pastner’s rotation has to preserve that value while managing Williams’ shooting and turnovers. Williams’ final Lindenwood game, on Mar 5, shows both sides of the assignment. His steal and fast-break layup gave the Lions a two-point lead with 1:24 left in the Ohio Valley tournament, but Southeast Missouri State scored the last four points and won on a jumper with three seconds remaining. Williams averaged 15.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 steals at Lindenwood. At 6-foot-5, he gives Pastner a wing who can contribute on the glass as well as pursue the ball. I like the addition of Dontrez Williams for UNLV.Averaged 15.2 ppg. 28% from 3pt and 61% at the rim. Has physical tools. Cam Miles, Tyler Harris, MJ Thomas, and Williams all feel like boom or bust guys.— JPR (@Scouting_Col) May 4, 2026 I like this addition most if UNLV resists asking him to carry the same scoring workload he handled last season. There is value in a player who can help win the ball, run and finish a possession without having to create a difficult shot every other trip. Pastner has to build a lineup that lets Williams do that while keeping the lane open enough for everybody else. His final game also showed why describing him only as a gambler would be unfair. Williams had seven rebounds in the first half, when Lindenwood built a nine-point lead. Anias Futrell supplied 15 first-half points. Williams was helping secure possessions while another Lion carried the scoring, long before the steal and layup briefly put Lindenwood ahead at the end. Williams finished the season with 114 defensive rebounds. Jadis Jones and Milos Nehttps://www.youtube.com/embed/_H7U34Fb4Ag https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/05/04/rebel-daily-drive-5-4-2026-breaking-down-unlvs-portal-additions-roster-build-and-identity-shift/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ARqRktYdDuk/hqdefault.jpgUNLV Basketball Adds Portal Pieces: Roster Build, Identity Shift & FitJosh Pastner has added size to UNLV’s roster. The harder job is putting that size on the floor without crowding the lane. The May 4 Rebel Daily Drive brings together our breakdowns of wing Dontrez Williams, center Jeremy Foumena and forward Tyler Harris, with film discussion of the roster Pastner is building. Harris is central to that question. His shooting could draw a defender away from UNLV’s interior players. The episode examines his Washington film, while the individual breakdown considers his fit and ceiling. Williams’ breakdown focuses on his defense. Foumena’s examines whether he can supply dependable minutes when Tyrin Jones rests. The three breakdowns examine separate jobs in the same lineup: Harris’s spacing, Williams’ defense and Foumena’s minutes behind Jones. The episode is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Watch the full breakdown and film discussion on YouTube below. Appreciate you guys as always for rocking with The Scarlet Standard. More coverage is coming this week, including interviews, a spring football recap and continued portal tracking.https://www.youtube.com/embed/ARqRktYdDuk https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/05/19/jackson-kiss-to-unlv-what-the-four-star-iowa-state-flip-brings-to-the-rebels/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gs9pHBRK_PA/hqdefault.jpgJackson Kiss at Nike EYBL Peach Jam | Vegas Elite 17U | Full Highlights 2025The Iowa State flip adds a forward whose international experience and passing give Josh Pastner more than an immediate frontcourt replacement.https://www.youtube.com/embed/gs9pHBRK_PAhttps://i.ytimg.com/vi/mVUzaQeAiQM/hqdefault.jpgJackson Kiss at Nike EYBL Session 4, Augusta GA | Vegas Elite 17U | Full Highlights 2025The Iowa State flip adds a forward whose international experience and passing give Josh Pastner more than an immediate frontcourt replacement.https://www.youtube.com/embed/mVUzaQeAiQMhttps://i.ytimg.com/vi/T4EqhtcfHHw/hqdefault.jpgJackson Kiss Fiba U17 World Cup Bronze game highlights #basketball #fibau17The Iowa State flip adds a forward whose international experience and passing give Josh Pastner more than an immediate frontcourt replacement.https://www.youtube.com/embed/T4EqhtcfHHwhttps://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jc0xAlwEfS0/hqdefault.jpg“Jackson Kiss Throws Down Epic Dunk in Lehi Game! 🇳🇿🔥”The Iowa State flip adds a forward whose international experience and passing give Josh Pastner more than an immediate frontcourt replacement.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jc0xAlwEfS0https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LORp_-cAhCA/hqdefault.jpgJACKSON KISS WITH A MONSTER POSTER!The Iowa State flip adds a forward whose international experience and passing give Josh Pastner more than an immediate frontcourt replacement.https://www.youtube.com/embed/LORp_-cAhCA https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/05/20/kota-suttle-jr-to-unlv-breaking-down-the-rebels-new-backcourt-addition/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C-VpdEBd9Uc/hqdefault.jpgCERTIFIED DAWG IS THE TOUGHEST PLAYER ON THE FLOOR! Kota Suttle Jr. So Cal Academy 2026LAS VEGAS — Kota Suttle Jr. announced his UNLV commitment with “Beat the Odds.” His defensive work gives the Rebels a reason to look beyond his recruiting rank. Evaluators describe a freshman guard who takes demanding backcourt matchups, rebounds and shares the ball. Those jobs could help a new college lineup even before he becomes a regular scorer. The 6-foot-3 SoCal Academy guard is a three-star prospect according to 247Sports. The rankings attached to his commitment put him at No. 248 in the 247Sports Composite and No. 216 in Rivals’ industry ranking. Those are different services’ assessments, with Rivals classifying him as a point guard. Neither number explains the job coach Josh Pastner might actually need him to do in November. Beat the Odds🎰#thankyouGod pic.twitter.com/jfYgj6cSvb— Kota Suttle Jr. (@kotasuttlejr) May 20, 2026 Najeh Wilkins supplied a more revealing description in Jan 2025. His evaluation identified Suttle taking the other team’s best player, defending the ball, reading passing lanes and rebounding from the backcourt. Offensively, Wilkins described a playmaker. The interest comes from the combination: a guard whose contribution could continue after he passes the ball, or on a night when somebody else is scoring. Kota Suttle Jr is one of the best two-way players in peach state regardless of position. He guards the other team best player, his on ball-defense is top-tier, and he reads passing lanes, and is one of the best rebounding guards in the country. Offensively he is a playmaker.— Najeh Wilkins (@najehwilk) Jan 26, 2025 Prospect U’s Gee McCaslin later compared Suttle stylistically to Marcus Smart, emphasizing his intelligence and motor. I would keep the competitive approach and set aside the NBA expectation. College guards will test thathttps://www.youtube.com/embed/C-VpdEBd9Uchttps://i.ytimg.com/vi/Zb6i5PmjIf0/hqdefault.jpgKota Suttle Jr. So Cal Academy 2025-2026 Season HighlightsLAS VEGAS — Kota Suttle Jr. announced his UNLV commitment with “Beat the Odds.” His defensive work gives the Rebels a reason to look beyond his recruiting rank. Evaluators describe a freshman guard who takes demanding backcourt matchups, rebounds and shares the ball. Those jobs could help a new college lineup even before he becomes a regular scorer. The 6-foot-3 SoCal Academy guard is a three-star prospect according to 247Sports. The rankings attached to his commitment put him at No. 248 in the 247Sports Composite and No. 216 in Rivals’ industry ranking. Those are different services’ assessments, with Rivals classifying him as a point guard. Neither number explains the job coach Josh Pastner might actually need him to do in November. Beat the Odds🎰#thankyouGod pic.twitter.com/jfYgj6cSvb— Kota Suttle Jr. (@kotasuttlejr) May 20, 2026 Najeh Wilkins supplied a more revealing description in Jan 2025. His evaluation identified Suttle taking the other team’s best player, defending the ball, reading passing lanes and rebounding from the backcourt. Offensively, Wilkins described a playmaker. The interest comes from the combination: a guard whose contribution could continue after he passes the ball, or on a night when somebody else is scoring. Kota Suttle Jr is one of the best two-way players in peach state regardless of position. He guards the other team best player, his on ball-defense is top-tier, and he reads passing lanes, and is one of the best rebounding guards in the country. Offensively he is a playmaker.— Najeh Wilkins (@najehwilk) Jan 26, 2025 Prospect U’s Gee McCaslin later compared Suttle stylistically to Marcus Smart, emphasizing his intelligence and motor. I would keep the competitive approach and set aside the NBA expectation. College guards will test thathttps://www.youtube.com/embed/Zb6i5PmjIf0https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JdHCAfI0SmQ/hqdefault.jpgKota Suttle Jr | PG to know & keep an eye on this yr ⛽️📈LAS VEGAS — Kota Suttle Jr. announced his UNLV commitment with “Beat the Odds.” His defensive work gives the Rebels a reason to look beyond his recruiting rank. Evaluators describe a freshman guard who takes demanding backcourt matchups, rebounds and shares the ball. Those jobs could help a new college lineup even before he becomes a regular scorer. The 6-foot-3 SoCal Academy guard is a three-star prospect according to 247Sports. The rankings attached to his commitment put him at No. 248 in the 247Sports Composite and No. 216 in Rivals’ industry ranking. Those are different services’ assessments, with Rivals classifying him as a point guard. Neither number explains the job coach Josh Pastner might actually need him to do in November. Beat the Odds🎰#thankyouGod pic.twitter.com/jfYgj6cSvb— Kota Suttle Jr. (@kotasuttlejr) May 20, 2026 Najeh Wilkins supplied a more revealing description in Jan 2025. His evaluation identified Suttle taking the other team’s best player, defending the ball, reading passing lanes and rebounding from the backcourt. Offensively, Wilkins described a playmaker. The interest comes from the combination: a guard whose contribution could continue after he passes the ball, or on a night when somebody else is scoring. Kota Suttle Jr is one of the best two-way players in peach state regardless of position. He guards the other team best player, his on ball-defense is top-tier, and he reads passing lanes, and is one of the best rebounding guards in the country. Offensively he is a playmaker.— Najeh Wilkins (@najehwilk) Jan 26, 2025 Prospect U’s Gee McCaslin later compared Suttle stylistically to Marcus Smart, emphasizing his intelligence and motor. I would keep the competitive approach and set aside the NBA expectation. College guards will test thathttps://www.youtube.com/embed/JdHCAfI0SmQ https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/05/22/rebel-daily-drive-5-22-2026-pastners-roster-takes-shape-pac-12-mountain-west-settlement-fallout/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ey6DXkQaGnY/hqdefault.jpgJosh Pastner’s Roster Takes Shape + Pac-12/Mountain West FalloutJackson Kiss has switched his commitment from Iowa State to UNLV. On today’s Rebel Daily Drive, I look at the freshman forward and incoming guard Kota Suttle Jr., then ask what coach Josh Pastner’s roster still needs to reach the NCAA Tournament. I discuss why Suttle may offer more than his ranking suggests, the roster’s shooting and depth concerns, and how NIL budgets affect those decisions. The Players Era opening matchup against Kansas is also on the agenda. I also discuss the Pac-12-Mountain West agreement in principle and the changing league. UNLV’s retention payout remains unsettled, so I treat it as a possible future resource rather than money the program can spend now. SPOTIFY:https://open.spotify.com/episode/07pt51TpYYFfjrxAxPN0uv?si=BF1WzGttSUCwx3t8knh0aQ APPLE:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-daily-drive-5-22-2026-pastners-roster-takes-shape/id1885404705?i=1000769185437 Like, subscribe and share if you’ve been following the show.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ey6DXkQaGnY https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/06/13/rebel-daily-drive-6-13-2026-donovan-mcnabb-jr-commits-unlv-cfp-hype-pastners-vision/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VM9SB0iNdgg/hqdefault.jpgDonovan McNabb Jr. Commits, UNLV CFP Hype & Josh Pastner’s VisionDonovan McNabb Jr. has committed to UNLV’s 2027 class. On this Rebel Daily Drive, I start with what the receiver adds to Dan Mullen’s recruiting group, then look at the expectations building around the Rebels for 2026. I also examine Phil Steele, Athlon and SP+ projections, UNLV’s potential College Football Playoff path and what I would consider a successful 2026 season. For men’s basketball, I go through the biggest takeaways from my interview with Josh Pastner: NIL, the roster around Tyrin Jones and the work left before his second season. The episode also looks at the Lady Rebels and why I think women’s basketball coach Lindy La Rocque’s program deserves more attention going into next season. Watch the full episode below. Stay loud. Stay loyal. Go Rebels.https://www.youtube.com/embed/VM9SB0iNdgg https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/06/25/rebel-daily-drive-6-25-2026-which-unlv-freshmen-can-make-an-immediate-impact-in-2026/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OnDK0iTVjgE/hqdefault.jpgWhich UNLV Freshmen Can Make an Immediate Impact in 2026?An immediate freshman role looks most available along UNLV’s defensive line. Poe Purcell, Bryce Waters and Prin Fox enter a group that needs size, rotation snaps and tackles before runners reach the secondary. The receiver discussion includes Jesse Harden, Tatum Bell Jr., Vincent Carner and Peyton Zachary. They enter a crowded group with different possible contributions, from red-zone size and slot versatility to special teams and downfield gains. Mateo Bilaver faces a different adjustment on the offensive line. Earning a few receiver plays or special-teams snaps is different from sustaining blocks against older college defenders, so I would be more cautious about projecting his immediate role. Leave your pick in the comments: Which UNLV freshman will make the biggest impact this season? Vegas Varsity sponsors this episode. Promo code SSM10 takes 10% off, and each use supports Scarlet Standard Media’s travel to away games. The Lefty J’s Hawaiian Barbecue giveaway is on Instagram at @SS_MediaLV. Find the collaboration post, then like, repost, share and tag three friends for a chance to win a free meal. Follow Scarlet Standard Media on YouTube at @ss_medialv, on X and Instagram at @SS_MediaLV, and on Facebook.https://www.youtube.com/embed/OnDK0iTVjgE https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/06/26/rebel-daily-drive-6-26-2026-which-unlv-players-need-to-break-out-in-2026/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kl0A5dN7EGo/hqdefault.jpgWhich UNLV Players Need to Break Out in 2026?UNLV needs a No. 1 receiver and a replacement for Keyvone Lee’s backfield work. On today’s Rebel Daily Drive, I look at which returning players can earn those larger jobs rather than pick breakouts without a role to fill. I look at Taeshaun Lyons and Kayden McGee in the receiver room, along with the competition behind Jai’Den Thomas at running back. The offensive discussion also includes veteran tackle Will Thomas and why his work could be so important to a rebuilt line. On defense, I turn to the secondary’s mistakes and what Holy Cross transfer Cam Santee brings to the linebackers. Bigger numbers around the offensive stars will only carry UNLV so far if the defense keeps giving those points back. Watch the episode below and share your pick for the UNLV player who makes the biggest leap this season.https://www.youtube.com/embed/kl0A5dN7EGo https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/06/30/rebel-daily-drive-6-30-2026-5-unlv-transfers-who-can-change-the-2026-season/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/efyMPW9gDzY/hqdefault.jpg5 UNLV Transfers Who Can Change the 2026 Season Under Dan MullenJackson Arnold’s quarterback work is one of five transfer roles in the Jun 30 Rebel Daily Drive. Avery Helm, Cam Santee, Keyan Burnett and Jackson Brown also enter Dan Mullen’s 2026 lineup competition with opportunities at corner, linebacker, tight end and along the offensive line. The episode examines their previous production and the jobs each can earn at UNLV. Watch the full episode: Follow and support The Scarlet Standard: Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/X/Twitter: https://x.com/SS_MediaLVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577609316045 Shop with Vegas Varsity and support the show: https://vegasvarsity.com/Use promo code SSM10 for 10% off your order. Lefty-J’s Island Favorites: https://order.online/store/lefty-j’s-island-favorites-las-vegas-29965474 Stay loud. Stay loyal. Bring back Hey Reb. Go Rebels.https://www.youtube.com/embed/efyMPW9gDzY https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/01/rebel-daily-drive-7-1-2026-mountain-west-football-2026-upside-rankings/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z6nA8VaXKsk/hqdefault.jpgMountain West Football 2026 Upside Rankings: UNLV, NDSU, Hawaii & MoreUNLV has reached three consecutive Mountain West championship games, but five familiar contenders have left: Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Colorado State and Utah State. Mike Cooper’s Jul 1 Rebel Daily Drive ranks each remaining and incoming team’s best-case 2026 season. Mike compares UNLV’s chances under Dan Mullen with New Mexico, Hawaii, North Dakota State, Air Force and the rest of the rebuilt conference. The ranking considers each team’s upside and the schedule that could keep it from getting there. Watch the full episode: Follow and support The Scarlet Standard: Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/X/Twitter: https://x.com/SS_MediaLVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577609316045 Shop with Vegas Varsity and support the show: https://vegasvarsity.com/Use promo code SSM10 for 10% off your order. Lefty-J’s Island Favorites: https://order.online/store/lefty-j’s-island-favorites-las-vegas-29965474 Stay loud. Stay loyal. Bring back Hey Reb. Go Rebels.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z6nA8VaXKsk https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/18/rob-harley-is-building-niu-around-competition-routine-and-a-new-mountain-west-identity/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/V63hW-m3nuU/hqdefault.jpgRob Harley Talks NIU’s Mountain West Move, MACtion Exit & New EraLAS VEGAS — Rob Harley had an interim title and 96 players who needed to know what came next. He spent 18 hours meeting with them individually after Thomas Hammock left Northern Illinois in February. Before the Huskies could take on Iowa, a new conference or the uncertainty around his own job, Harley had to make this team his. Hammock’s return to the NFL left NIU changing coaches while preparing to leave the Mid-American Conference. Longer trips, unfamiliar opponents and a different weekly routine were coming. Harley wanted the roster to hear his expectations before spring practice. “The minute you wrapped your mind around that, it was, ‘We’re not really going to approach it any other way than this is our program,’” Harley said on Rebel Daily Drive. “We’re going to instill things that we believe.” Harley was already inside the program as defensive coordinator during 2025. His move to the head job keeps someone who knows the returning players in charge, but it also expands the work well beyond running that unit. His previous stop supplied experience with a longer rebuild. Arkansas State went from two wins in his first season there in 2021 to an 8-5 finish in 2024, reaching bowls in each of his final two years as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. Before that, he spent six seasons coaching linebackers at Pitt, including four as recruiting coordinator. NIU is asking him to bring that experience to an immediate transition with an unsettled future of his own. NIU has long built its identity around “The Hard Way.” Harley has added another phrase: “Us versus them.” The message is not intended to erase what came before. Harley described his transition from Hammock as a difference in leadership personality rather than a judgment on the previous staff. “That ‘us vershttps://www.youtube.com/embed/V63hW-m3nuU https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/18/tim-polasek-says-ndsu-is-ready-for-the-mountain-west-but-the-bison-must-redefine-what-success-looks-like/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CiDsJQqysi4/hqdefault.jpgTim Polasek Talks NDSU’s FBS Move, Mountain West Jump & Bison StandardLAS VEGAS — North Dakota State has beaten FBS teams often enough to make another upset feel like an inadequate ambition. The Bison went 9-5 against them while playing in the Football Championship Subdivision, winning six straight from 2010 through 2016. Now Tim Polasek has to prepare for what those celebrated Saturdays never required: come back the next week and do it again. “Can we really stack up week in and week out rather than just winning one FBS game here and there?” Polasek said. For a program that built its reputation on FCS championships, the first Mountain West season also changes how fans should judge the result. Polasek wants room for that adjustment without giving up the ambition that brought NDSU here. “We’re going to have to be careful about how our fan base and how we look at what a successful season looks like, because in the past, if you didn’t hang a banner, it was a failure.” “We’ve been through a transition before going from Division II, with a lot of success, to Division I,” Polasek said. “I think this is unique in its own way because of some of the changes that are still going to come in college football.” NDSU announced the move Feb 9, leaving less than seven months between accepting the invitation and the opener. Football alone is moving to the Mountain West. The university kept its Summit League membership for most other sports and its Big 12 wrestling affiliation. Athletic director Matt Larsen identified two tangible benefits for supporters in the move: FBS opponents coming to Fargo and a wider national television audience. Polasek has coached at Iowa and Wyoming as well as NDSU and sees FBS membership as important access while the College Football Playoff and the sport keep changing. “The reality is you’re either in the FBS or you’re not,” Phttps://www.youtube.com/embed/CiDsJQqysi4 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/18/timmy-chang-says-hawaiis-year-5-culture-is-ready-for-its-biggest-test/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e-8WQJ6VNtw/hqdefault.jpgTimmy Chang Talks Hawaii, Micah Alejado, UNLV Rivalry & Mountain West RaceLAS VEGAS — Before Micah Alejado became Hawai‘i’s quarterback, Timmy Chang saw what the job meant to him. On a recruiting visit to Alejado’s home, Chang found a board of goals the teenager reviewed every day. The preparation preceded the awards. Now, after nine wins and a bowl comeback, Chang needs that same hunger to survive success across his fifth team. “He’s a different individual, which I love and appreciate because the quarterback position is different,” Chang said. “There are certain standards that you have to live by and be held accountable to. That’s what Micah represents.” Alejado was born and raised in Hawai‘i, moved to Las Vegas and became a record-setting quarterback at Bishop Gorman. In his first full season starting for Chang, he passed for 3,106 yards and a conference-leading 24 touchdowns, earning Mountain West freshman of the year in 2025. He returns as the conference’s preseason offensive player of the year. Chang credited Alejado’s teammates when discussing the award. Pofele Ashlock, Elijah Palmer and Jamih Otis joined him on the preseason all-conference team. University of Hawai‘i Athletics Alejado’s award has familiar company in the program’s history. Chang earned a preseason conference player of the year honor in 2004, Colt Brennan did so in 2007 and Bryant Moniz in 2011. Pofele Ashlock gives that quarterback a receiver whose value has survived several seasons. Ashlock caught 76 passes for 827 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. Over three years he has accumulated 220 receptions and 23 receiving touchdowns. Alejado’s first full season as a starter came with a target who had already been doing the job, and both were selected for the preseason All-Mountain West team. When Hawai‘i fell behind in the Hawai‘i Bowl, Alejado had Ashlock to keep finding.https://www.youtube.com/embed/e-8WQJ6VNtw https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/18/troy-calhoun-sees-air-forces-future-but-the-falcons-want-to-win-now/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TYBSExvO_7Y/hqdefault.jpgTroy Calhoun Talks Air Force’s Bounce Back, UNLV & Mountain West FootballLAS VEGAS — Air Force’s seniors need the defensive improvement Troy Calhoun saw late last season to arrive earlier this fall. The Falcons have had two losing years, and the coach’s optimism about the 2027 roster offers little help to players whose eight semesters at the academy end before service commitments take them toward a different life. Air Force went 5-7 in 2024 and 4-8 last season after winning at least nine games four times from 2019 through 2023. In an interview, Calhoun acknowledged the deadline facing his current seniors while describing the strength he expects from the next group. “I think in 2027, next fall, we’ll have a really strong football team,” Calhoun said. “And yet we have some seniors that are determined. They know it’s unlikely they’re going to be involved, certainly at Air Force, in 2027. These guys want to make it happen now.” “I can tell you as the head coach, I want to do everything I can to make that possible for these fellows too,” Calhoun said. A better finish to build on defensively A turnaround requires a better defensive result than last season’s 30.3 points allowed per game. Air Force averaged nearly 30 itself and still went 4-8. The finish offered some evidence of improvement: five of the last six opponents scored 21 or fewer, with UConn scoring 26. “I thought the second half of last year we made really good strides,” Calhoun said. Steve Russ returns as defensive coordinator after holding that job at UAB last season. Calhoun wants the staff to improve the unit’s organization and fit the scheme to the players’ strengths. Linebacker Blake Fletcher started all 12 games, earned second-team All-Mountain West honors and made 108 tackles, Air Force’s first 100-tackle season since 2018. He and Isaac Hubert are seniors Calhoun believes can imphttps://www.youtube.com/embed/TYBSExvO_7Y https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/18/jason-eck-says-new-mexicos-surprise-is-gone-now-the-lobos-must-prove-their-rise-can-last/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tkHUjXxmv8o/hqdefault.jpgJason Eck Talks New Mexico’s Rise, UNLV Rivalry & Mountain West RaceLAS VEGAS — New Mexico’s nine-win season has changed the recruitments Jason Eck can compete in. It has not changed the work of keeping his quarterback healthy, replacing productive departures and developing players behind 14 returning starters. Those jobs shape a season in which opponents will expect the Lobos to be good. New Mexico and UNLV pursued the same two players. Each school landed one. “Maybe last year we’d have lost both,” Eck said. Eck says the evaluation process is the same, but New Mexico can now pursue players it might not have landed before. More contested recruitments are going its way, and the 2027 high school class is farther along than at this point last year. The Lobos tied for first in the Mountain West regular-season standings and reached the Rate Bowl. A 40-35 win at UNLV made them bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. Their next opponents know what Eck’s first team did. “I think we snuck up on some people,” Eck said on Rebel Daily Drive at Mountain West Football Media Days. “There were some people who probably didn’t have our game circled as a tough game. I think now that advantage is probably gone because I know a lot of people will have our game circled.” Finding value, then developing it Better recruiting access has not erased the financial choices. Eck sees UNLV as a destination for players building their professional stock. At New Mexico, he emphasizes development and weighing one player’s price against all the other positions that money could address. “You’re looking for some value,” Eck said. “You don’t want to overshoot your budget adding one player. In football, you need so many good pieces that one great player can’t maybe turn the tide as much as he can in basketball.” Quarterbacks and both lines of scrimmage are particularly exhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/tkHUjXxmv8o https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/18/ken-niumatalolo-explains-how-san-jose-state-is-building-its-roster-in-the-nil-era/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ktUBUGf7Oog/hqdefault.jpgKen Niumatalolo Talks San Jose State, NIL, USC Opener & UNLV PastLAS VEGAS — Ken Niumatalolo is selling playing time San Jose State can afford to offer, rather than matching every recruit’s financial proposal. After a 3-9 season, the Spartans have added 22 transfers, reopened the quarterback job and rebuilt the defensive staff. USC will provide the first test of whether those opportunities produce a better team. “There are some stores we don’t even worry about going to because we don’t have the money,” Niumatalolo said. “We just go to the stores that we know we’re at least in the ballpark budget-wise.” In his third season, that includes players who have been in Power Four programs and value playing time more than the benefits they would leave behind. Niumatalolo does not promise the same facilities, revenue-sharing payments or collective support. “If a kid comes and his first question is, ‘How much money do you make in revenue share here?’” Niumatalolo said, “I say, ‘You’re coming to the wrong school.’” “We’ve looked at guys that want to come and want to play,” Niumatalolo said. “They’ve had some production or potential, and it’s not all money-based.” The recruiting choices follow a 3-9 season, a sharp fall from 7-6 and a Hawai‘i Bowl appearance in his 2024 debut. That first year had been San Jose State’s fourth season with at least seven wins in five years. Last season, the Spartans still had the Mountain West’s second-ranked passing offense and receiver Danny Scudero, the national leader in receiving yards. Wins over New Mexico and Hawai‘i did not erase the close losses or the questions about keeping players engaged. Niumatalolo wondered aloud whether being in the middle of the pack now sends some players looking for another opportunity. “I don’t know if, in today’s day and age, if you’re kind of middle of the pack a little bit, guhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/ktUBUGf7Oog https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/21/northern-illinois-football-turns-to-player-leadership-after-coaching-change-ahead-of-mountain-west-debut/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8kFSzw2wfo4/hqdefault.jpgLiam Lando and Landon Hron Talk Mountain West Move, F1 Drama, Iowa, Arizona & New EraLAS VEGAS — Liam Lindo was home with the flu when the news reached him: Thomas Hammock was leaving Northern Illinois. His teammates were shocked. They did not know who would coach them, and Lindo could not supply a name. He could give them one thing he was prepared to stand behind. “We’re going to be good,” Lindo said on Rebel Daily Drive. “Whatever it’s going to be, whoever we hire, we’ve got us. That’s all we need.” Hammock resigned in February for the NFL after seven seasons, and NIU promoted defensive coordinator Rob Harley to interim head coach less than seven months before the opener at Iowa. The Huskies were already changing conferences. Now they were changing the person leading them there. NIU officially joined the Mountain West on Jul 1, leaving the Mid-American Conference for football-only membership, longer trips and unfamiliar opponents. Lindo and offensive lineman Landon Hron want the habits inside the locker room to survive those changes. Harley had spent the previous season coordinating NIU’s defense, so players knew the coach taking over. Lindo described him as the same person every day, bringing energy, demanding improvement and supporting players away from football. “Coach Harley has been everything that we want in a coach,” Lindo said. “He’s pushing us, encouraging us to get better, and he’s there for us truly. He’s there for us on and off the field.” Photo: Scott Walstrom / Northern Illinois University Athletics Hron is entering his fourth season at NIU with his third offensive line coach and second head coach. He has learned to adjust to a new voice while keeping the expectations of his position room intact. Now he helps introduce newcomers to the way the Huskies practice, compete and respond when something goes wrong. “You get to know new playershttps://www.youtube.com/embed/8kFSzw2wfo4 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/21/micah-alejado-wants-hawaii-football-to-bring-back-the-energy-of-the-timmy-chang-and-colt-brennan-eras/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6-525jwEOh0/hqdefault.jpgMicah Alejado & Jamih Otis Talk Hawaii, Bishop Gorman Pipeline & UNLV GameLAS VEGAS — Hawai‘i quarterback Micah Alejado imagines a championship game reaching far beyond the players on the field. Asked what hosting a Mountain West title game with a possible College Football Playoff berth at stake would mean, he thought first of the state watching. “I think the state would break almost,” Alejado said at Mountain West Football Media Days. “It would be crazy. We haven’t had that kind of energy in a while, since Timmy’s years, Colt Brennan’s years. That’s our mission, to bring back that energy.” The Rainbow Warriors took a step toward that kind of attention last season: 9-4, their best finish since 2019, and a 35-31 Sheraton Hawai‘i Bowl win over California. Alejado threw three touchdowns in the bowl to finish a freshman season with 3,106 passing yards and a conference-leading 24 scores. He was the Mountain West Freshman of the Year. Christian Shimabuku / Aloha State Daily He enters 2026 as the preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Hawai‘i’s first preseason conference player-of-the-year honoree since Bryant Moniz in 2011. Hawai‘i coach Timmy Chang and former star Colt Brennan are the other Hawai‘i quarterbacks who earned the recognition. He has studied Chang and Brennan while recognizing that his physical gifts differ from theirs. Understanding how they processed the offense and managed difficult situations is more useful than trying to play exactly like them. Chang is available every day to explain what he saw in the run-and-shoot, why a concept worked and how to respond to a defense changing its approach. Alejado has already given that instruction a productive starting point. He passed for 457 yards and three touchdowns at Air Force and followed with 413 yards and three touchdown passes against Utah State, adding a rushing score in the secondhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/6-525jwEOh0 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/21/new-mexico-football-must-prove-its-breakthrough-can-last-after-2025-mountain-west-rise/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lf8hYNZqABc/hqdefault.jpgJack Layne & Jaxton Eck Talk New Mexico’s Rise, UNLV Matchup & MW RaceQuarterback Jack Layne and linebacker Jaxton Eck return to New Mexico with a nine-win season behind them and a title-game absence to answer. Layne remembers the 40-35 win over UNLV as one of his greatest football experiences. The Lobos’ returning core now has to build on the season that victory helped change. “Last year’s game was cinema,” Layne said at Mountain West Football Media Days. “That was really fun. Probably one of the greatest experiences I’ve had. Great environment, great atmosphere, great team, and it’s going to be another battle this year.” Layne completed 17 of 22 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns at Allegiant Stadium, including second-quarter scores of 80 and 84 yards. The victory made New Mexico bowl eligible and put the Lobos deeper into a championship race that ended with a share of the Mountain West regular-season title and its first bowl appearance since 2016. Their defensive averages fell from 38 points and more than 490 yards allowed in 2024 to 22.3 points and 341.9 yards in 2025. Layne started all 13 games and set a school record by completing 65.1% of his passes. Jaxton Eck made 129 tackles and shared Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors. The jump in expectations has a football basis beyond the two players answering questions in Las Vegas. New Mexico returns 14 starters, the most in the conference. Four of them are offensive linemen. After Jason Eck assembled his first team with only 34 returning players, he can spend this summer building on a larger group that already has played together. New Mexico lost its first two league games, then won six straight to finish 6-2 and share the regular-season title. The computer tiebreaker kept the Lobos out of the championship game. Returning players bring experience from that recovery,https://www.youtube.com/embed/lf8hYNZqABc https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/21/unr-footballs-rebuild-enters-a-defining-2026-season-under-jeff-choate/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_2AtFFiW5lU/hqdefault.jpgJack Foster and Marshaun Brown Talk Fremont Cannon, UNLV Rivalry & Wolf Pack RebuildLAS VEGAS — Reno’s attempt to end four losing seasons starts with a new offense and an unsettled quarterback job. Receiver Marshaun Brown and tackle Jack Foster see different parts of the correction: turn protection into completions, sustain drives and keep the running game involved before UNLV and the Fremont Cannon arrive in the finale. “Just being a disciplined team overall and keying in on the little details,” Brown said on Rebel Daily Drive at Mountain West Football Media Days. “That will ultimately get us to our goal and get us to where we want to be.” Jeff Choate is entering Year 3 after a 3-10 debut in 2024 and a 3-9 finish in 2025, extending the program’s run to four losing seasons. There has been time to recruit, teach and see where the first attempts fell short. New offensive coordinator Brett Bartolone now has to help turn those lessons into drives that last. Brown wants to be part of the reason those drives keep going. Photo: UNLV Athletics Brown and offensive lineman Jack Foster know two sides of that problem. Reno needs Brown to become a dependable receiving option. Foster returns from a line that allowed relatively few sacks without seeing that protection turn into a productive passing game. Brown has given Reno a glimpse. He caught seven passes for 75 yards at New Mexico, both career highs, after scoring his first Wolf Pack touchdown against San Diego State. He finished the year with 16 catches for 164 yards and one touchdown across 10 games and three starts. The Bishop Manogue graduate has had the afternoon that shows what he can do. Reno needs more of them. Foster is concentrating on the daily work rather than a list of individual goals. “I’m not really too focused on what I’m going to do this season,” Foster said. “I’m just focused on being present.https://www.youtube.com/embed/_2AtFFiW5lU https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/21/jaiden-thomas-and-lucas-conti-embody-unlv-footballs-rise-and-championship-expectations/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mldeKYYKtuU/hqdefault.jpgJai’Den Thomas & Lucas Conti Talk UNLV’s Title Standard & Why They ReturnedLAS VEGAS — Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas and Lucas Conti have helped UNLV reach three Mountain West championship games without winning one. They returned to pursue the missing result, carrying different responsibilities: Thomas must keep the offense moving, and Conti must help the defensive front end the opponent’s drive. Photo: Jay Soares / The Scarlet Standard Thomas and Conti arrived in 2023 as young players trying to earn their way onto the field. They enter Dan Mullen’s second season responsible for helping newcomers meet the expectations those three years created. UNLV has won 30 games and reached three straight bowls during their careers. The Mountain West championship and a chance at College Football Playoff access remain ahead of them. Thomas’ connection to UNLV begins with the opportunity the program offered before his name appeared in the school record book or on preseason award lists. “From day one, this was the first school that gave me an opportunity to play here,” Thomas said on Rebel Daily Drive at Mountain West Football Media Days. “I kept that really dear to me. Showcasing my ability in Vegas has been a really great opportunity these past couple of years, and I’m very excited for this fall.” He rushed for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns on 148 carries last season, averaging seven yards per attempt. Thomas also caught 39 passes for 237 yards and another touchdown, proving he could affect games as more than a traditional runner. His production moved him to eighth in program history with 2,457 career rushing yards and fifth with 31 rushing touchdowns. Thomas enters 2026 with nine career 100-yard games and a realistic opportunity to continue climbing a record book led by Charles Williams and Tim Cornett. Thomas has already contributed in several ways during that clihttps://www.youtube.com/embed/mldeKYYKtuU https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/22/san-jose-state-football-expects-quick-rebuild-behind-ken-niumatalolos-defensive-reset/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dI9012yXufY/hqdefault.jpgSan Jose State Players Talk Rebuild, Physicality & Mountain West Media DaysEthan Powell’s final college season begins with San Jose State trying to restore a standard it lost at 3-9. The linebacker’s example starts with obeying Ken Niumatalolo’s instruction to stand behind a line. The Aug 29 opener at USC will test whether that attention survives much harder assignments. “Coach Ken really focuses on details. If we’re supposed to be behind the line and we’re not behind the line, we’re going to be held accountable for that. I think that’s big for us,” Powell said at Mountain West Football Media Days. The Spartans lost six of their last seven games and missed a bowl for the first time after three consecutive postseason trips. Powell has been in San Jose long enough to remember when December football was part of the expectation. He arrived in 2022, played 10 games that season and appeared in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. He redshirted the next year while still appearing in three regular-season games and the bowl. His final college summer comes with a different responsibility: helping restore something he experienced before he became one of the defense’s veterans. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker from San Bernardino made 43 tackles in 2024 and 37 last season, including a career-high 26 solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss in 2025. “We want to prove that we’re not a 3-9 team,” Powell said. “As far as the defense, we want to show that we’re physical, tough, violent and that we’re going to give effort every game.” The staff has changed around that defense. Bojay Filimoeatu became permanent coordinator in January after serving in the interim role for the last two games. He previously worked with inside linebackers and run defense. Jordan Pollard will not be beside him to do it. Pollard finished his San Jose State career with 353 tackles and consecutihttps://www.youtube.com/embed/dI9012yXufY https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/07/22/ej-colson-leads-utep-football-into-mountain-west-bounce-back-season/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eZ745lPPOLk/hqdefault.jpgEJ Colson & Kam Thomas Talk UTEP’s Mountain West Move, Offense & GoalsKam Thomas is talking about winning the Mountain West, reaching the playoff and becoming an All-American. UTEP just went 2-10. Thomas grounds those ambitions in a personnel change: EJ Colson has won the quarterback job, giving the receivers a starter to work with throughout the summer. “I think EJ has done a really good job being a leader,” Thomas said at Mountain West Football Media Days. “I think that’s what we were missing these past few seasons from our quarterback. He’s done a phenomenal job bringing the offense together, and I think we’re genuinely jelling together.” “I think we’re going to be explosive,” Thomas said. “I know we’re going to be really good this year because we brought in a guy at quarterback.” UTEP named Colson its starter in May after his spring work. He arrived from Incarnate Word, where he completed 210 of 296 passes for 2,142 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions in 2025. He also ran for 287 yards and three scores. That season gave him sustained FCS work after three appearances, including one start, at UCF in 2024. Colson is taking over an offense that threw 20 interceptions against 21 touchdown passes last season and completed 224 of 411 attempts. His four interceptions at Incarnate Word offer UTEP reason to hope he can cut down on those lost possessions. The Miners also converted only 53 of 175 third downs, or 30.3%. Colson’s passing and rushing give the offense options, but protection and down-and-distance will determine how often he can use them. Coach Scotty Walden has already given Colson something a summer-long quarterback competition cannot: the chance to prepare as the starter. Since May, Thomas and the receivers have known whose timing they need to learn. Colson has known whose offense he must organize. The job is his before thehttps://www.youtube.com/embed/eZ745lPPOLk https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/03/dan-mullen-updates-unlv-quarterback-battle-eligibility-cases-and-defensive-progress/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GdbKduKvJ8Y/hqdefault.jpgJustin Flowe Embraces Edge Role as Dan Mullen Updates UNLV Fall CampLAS VEGAS — Dan Mullen left UNLV’s quarterback competition between Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji open after Sunday’s practice while discussing possible defensive returns and Justin Flowe’s move closer to the line. The staff is still deciding who can handle the season-opening work and which calls fit those players. “There’s guys competing for reps,” Mullen said. “At some point, we’re going to figure out where we’re at, who’s ready to play, and then kind of put a plan together around those guys that are going to be ready to play.” Mullen offered no public timetable for naming a starting quarterback before the season opener. “They’re battling,” Mullen said. “They’re doing a good job battling. We’ll see. I’ll have an idea before kickoff on game day of who will be the quarterback.” “Practice is where you can see what you can do,” Mullen said. “Practice is where you put the pressure on yourself to see what you can do, see what you can get away with and see where you’re good or bad.” Cohen Fuller’s status also requires a legal and compliance review. He had a Monday hearing scheduled in his individual federal case; Mullen said Sunday he believed court relief offered a route back. That was the coach’s assessment while UNLV continued its review. “According to the courts, he’s eligible,” Mullen said. “He’s been working and waiting for that. Listen, it’s the right thing to do.” Fuller’s case concerns the NCAA’s counting of seasons at non-NCAA programs. Mullen compared it to relief Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia received over his junior-college seasons. “I don’t know why the NCAA would favor one kid over another,” Mullen said. “That would seem like kind of a bias.” Fuller played all 14 games and started four last season, giving him experience at defensive tackle in defensive coorhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/GdbKduKvJ8Y https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/07/jaiden-thomas-jaylon-glover-push-each-other-as-unlv-running-back-room-takes-shape/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SJk8pQ5Zy5s/hqdefault.jpgJaylon Glover, Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas and Quinton Ganther Talk UNLV Running BacksLAS VEGAS — Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas and Jaylon Glover expect to share carries at UNLV. Their camp competition also includes correcting each other during inside run, a partnership Quinton Ganther wants to strengthen every job his backs do before and after the handoff. “Glove my bro,” Thomas said. “We always have a little bickery during inside run. We just want to make each other better. He tells me something that I’m doing wrong and I also tell him something. We just piggyback off each other, make sure each other’s great.” Glover has a shorter name for the pairing. “Sonic and Knuckles,” he said. “I think watching Jet play, it only gives me motivation to be great,” Glover said. “Similar games, but I think we all have our own significant things that’s really special to us. I love playing with Jet. It’s just fun coming to practice every day because he’s a great back.” Running backs coach Quinton Ganther is keeping both under pressure as UNLV prepares for Memphis on Aug 29. Thomas’ standing as an established Mountain West back does not exempt him. “There could be a battle going on for the first and second,” Ganther said. “I know about Jet, too. I know about Glover, but it’s a healthy competition within the room.” “We don’t sit back and say, ‘OK, well, you don’t have to work today because it’s your spot. You’re returning, first-team all-league guy,’” he said. “Because when that happens, that falls on me as a coach because I’m not pushing him to get to the next level and get more out of him.” Glover sees room for both to succeed. “I see Jet as we’re competing, don’t get me wrong, but obviously Jet going to get his, rightfully so,” he said. “I’m just here to complement Jet. It might be games where I have a game and he doesn’t have the biggest, or it’s going to be games that he hahttps://www.youtube.com/embed/SJk8pQ5Zy5s https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/13/unlv-cornerbacks-lean-on-experience-health-and-one-word-finish/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uEB2QXzNuVI/hqdefault.jpgAkeem Davis, Avery Helm and Quandarius Keyes Talk UNLV DBs, Finishing and Welch’s ReturnCornerbacks coach Akeem Davis settled on the word during last season’s exit meetings: finish. With a veteran UNLV secondary returning for a second year in defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s system, he wants their familiarity with assignments to hold through the end of each play. “That has been the emphasis,” Davis said. “When we had that exit meeting last year, and when we approached this year, we knew from the top down that that was one thing that we wanted to do, finish. And that’s in the classroom, that’s in the weight room, that’s in the film room and that’s on Saturdays.” Explosive plays hurt UNLV at different points last season. Davis has tied his camp message to eye discipline: defenders have to keep watching the receiver or threat their assignment requires, recognize the play and still complete the coverage when the ball arrives. “We put our eyes in the right spot and we execute,” Davis said. “And we finish. We burn our eyes on our work and we know what they’re about to try to do to us. Once they give us what we were expecting, we finish.” That instruction reaches beyond a single coverage. UNLV has played in the past three Mountain West championship games without winning one, and Davis wants the returning group to carry its work all the way through a title run. “We gotta go win the whole thing,” Davis said. “It ain’t enough to just get there. It ain’t enough to just show up. The chip is that we’ve been there, but we just gotta go finish.” Experience that lets the defense move faster Cornerbacks Denver Harris and Quandarius Keyes are among the veterans Davis wants to see turn their knowledge of the system into faster reactions. He can work on the details with players who already understand the calls, rather than install the entire defense again. That experienchttps://www.youtube.com/embed/uEB2QXzNuVI https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/16/dan-mullen-moves-unlv-into-memphis-prep-as-fall-camp-shifts-toward-game-situations/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qp-7QAl_TYE/hqdefault.jpgDan Mullen Talks UNLV Situational Football, Memphis Prep, QB Transition and Bucket Hat DebateLAS VEGAS — UNLV spent Sunday practicing two-minute drives, special teams, offside attempts and clock scenarios as Dan Mullen shifted camp toward the decisions players will face against Memphis. A receiver may need the sideline on one play and only the first-down marker on another; Mullen wants the choice understood before the snap. “You don’t need it until you need it, right?” Mullen said. “And then when you need it, it’s the most important play of the game in every one of those situations that we went through today.” On a final play, the quarterback may have to attempt a covered throw because taking a sack ends the game. “I think it’s such a huge part for some of the guys of just making sure you understand the exact situation that you’re in and what the play is needed at that time,” Mullen said. “Not just, ‘I’m gonna go try to run and make something happen.’ Know your situation.” “I just want to make sure our guys are ready for whatever happens,” Mullen said. “Everything that can occur during the game, I want to make sure we’re prepared for it.” A good throw can still be the wrong play when the clock demands something else. The competition between quarterbacks Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji also moves into a new phase. Mullen did not offer a major update on which was ahead, joking about his reluctance to hand out public praise. “If you want compliments on quarterbacks, I’m the wrong guy to come to on that one right there,” Mullen said. He said both are becoming more comfortable. The task now is to apply the concepts they practiced against defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s defense to the checks needed against Memphis. “Let’s implement it all now into a specific game plan with specific checks against what we expect Memphis to do,” Mullen said. “That’s a big differencehttps://www.youtube.com/embed/qp-7QAl_TYE https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/16/dan-mullen-says-jackson-arnold-alex-orji-will-both-play-against-memphis-as-unlv-qb-competition-continues/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qp-7QAl_TYE/hqdefault.jpgDan Mullen Talks UNLV Situational Football, Memphis Prep, QB Transition and Bucket Hat DebateDJ Cabanlong / UNLV Athletics LAS VEGAS — Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji will both play against Memphis, Dan Mullen said Sunday. UNLV has not announced who will start, how the snaps will be divided or whether the roles will change once the opener begins. “They might not have a starter, but both ours are going to go,” Mullen said. That leaves usage, rather than participation, as the open question. Arnold has 18 college starts: eight at Auburn last season after 10 across two Oklahoma seasons. He brings more recent starting experience to a competition Mullen has not publicly resolved. Arnold threw for 1,309 yards and six touchdowns at Auburn last season while rushing for 311 yards and a team-high eight scores. During open portions of camp, he has generally appeared comfortable releasing the ball when his first read is available. In his Auburn debut at Baylor, Arnold rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-24 win. His second touchdown came on a 27-yard fourth-down run late in the fourth quarter. He also passed for 108 yards. Orji has continued to a second passing option before turning to his legs when a play breaks down. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, he presents a different physical profile. Mullen has let him run the offense rather than limiting his work to designed carries. Neither player has clearly separated himself during the periods open to media. “If you want compliments on quarterbacks, I’m the wrong guy to come to on that one right there,” Mullen said. Mullen joked that even after a quarterback plays well, his attention tends to go immediately toward the handful of mistakes. He used conversations with his wife after games as an example of how quickly his focus shifts to what could have been better. “She’ll be like, ‘You played so amazing,’” Mullen said. “I’m lihttps://www.youtube.com/embed/qp-7QAl_TYE https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/17/dan-mullen-takes-hands-on-role-as-mitch-singler-builds-unlv-special-teams/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eLKpmhknPE0/hqdefault.jpgMitch Singler Explains UNLV’s Special Teams Plan, Field Position and Return GameLucas Peltier / UNLV Athletics LAS VEGAS — Dan Mullen is going player by player through UNLV special teams meetings with coordinator Mitch Singler, pressing the assignments that can decide field position before the offense or defense takes a snap. Kicker Ramon Villela described that daily involvement as Singler begins his first season as coordinator. “Coach Mullen is on us every day,” Villela said. “Those meetings, he really goes down to every detail, goes through every player, says, ‘This is what you have to do.’” “I don’t think in the past the head coach got as involved as Mullen is this year,” Villela said. “Everybody listens to Coach Mullen. He’s the head coach, so it’s great to have the head coach just really involved in the special teams. He runs the meeting with Coach Singler, so it’s just a great partnership between those two.” The meetings give Singler direct access to Mullen’s special teams and defensive experience as well as his offensive background. His own promotion has expanded the roster he is responsible for teaching. That partnership also follows a change in Singler’s own responsibilities. UNLV announced his promotion Jul 7 after he worked as a special teams analyst in 2025 and a special teams assistant during the spring. He came to the program after working with the Raiders, beginning in offensive quality control in 2022 before moving into an assistant tight ends role. His college background includes offensive work at Duke beginning in 2018 and two seasons in offensive quality control at Oregon State in 2016 and 2017. He also lettered three times as a Beavers player. Special teams now gives him responsibility for players from across the roster, including offensive starters whose contribution can extend beyond the position they play on regular downs. “https://www.youtube.com/embed/eLKpmhknPE0 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/17/ramon-villela-chasing-greater-consistency-as-unlv-kicker-builds-on-2025-season/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eLKpmhknPE0/hqdefault.jpgMitch Singler Explains UNLV’s Special Teams Plan, Field Position and Return GameLAS VEGAS — Ramon Villela’s offseason work begins with making the next kick repeat the last one. The UNLV kicker has two 50-yard makes and a 23-yard winner at Miami (Ohio) to build from, but wants more consistent contact across distances and field positions. “Honestly, just improving as an athlete overall,” Villela said. “Being a kicker everybody says you just kick the ball, but I think just getting more athletic, getting more strength to my leg. And obviously you always want to get better consistency, accuracy, all that.” Villela went 15-for-20 on field-goal attempts last season and made all 58 of his extra-point attempts. He was perfect on five attempts from 20-29 yards, went 6-for-8 from 30-39, 2-for-3 from 40-49 and 2-for-4 from 50 yards and beyond. His long was 50 yards, a distance he reached twice during the season. Villela finished 10-for-15 from 30 yards and beyond. He wants to bring the same dependable contact to every distance. For Villela, the adjustment is less about swinging harder and more about how he moves through the football. “Honestly, just getting through the ball more, just going more downfield instead of just swinging through it,” Villela said when asked how he has worked to improve from 30 yards and beyond. “So just going downfield more.” Special teams coordinator Mitch Singler has focused on the same part of Villela’s development. The goal every time he takes the field is to make the kick, but Singler is also evaluating whether the operation and mechanics leading to it remain consistent from attempt to attempt. “The goal is to be, at the end of the day, be 20-for-20, but we know that’s not gonna happen,” Singler said. “It’s just that consistent approach of, all right, every time I go, how’s my operation? How’s my kick? Is it really coming off myhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/eLKpmhknPE0 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/17/from-australia-to-unlv-matt-choules-is-finally-ready-for-his-first-college-punt/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eLKpmhknPE0/hqdefault.jpgMitch Singler Explains UNLV’s Special Teams Plan, Field Position and Return GameLAS VEGAS — Matt Choules has been punting footballs for most of his life. What he has not done yet is punt one in a college game. With UNLV’s opener less than two weeks away, the Canberra native is preparing to use a skill he developed through Australian rules football and two years of specialized punting training. At Kennesaw State last season, he waited for NCAA clearance and never got into a game. “It was really hard last year not being able to play,” Choules said. “I was in a little bit of a sticky situation with academics coming out of Australia. And so I was really like every game I was kind of hoping, hoping, hoping that I’d get cleared by the NCAA.” “I’ve worked for this for a very long time, and getting out there and hitting that first ball is just gonna, I think, give me that power to just keep going and get higher and higher,” Choules said. The delay came after years of kicking, not at the start of learning the skill. Choules grew up playing Australian rules football, where kicking is a fundamental part of moving the ball. Long before he considered playing college football in the United States, he had already spent years developing the leg that eventually created the opportunity. “The main way we move that ball is by punting, which is a little bit weird, so kind of from the get-go I’ve been punting my whole life,” Choules said. The transition to American football came after people around Choules began telling him that ability could translate. He spent two years training with ProKick Australia before eventually receiving an opportunity at Kennesaw State. His recruiting process looked much different from the traditional path most American high school players take. Instead of building a résumé through Friday night games and recruiting camps, Choules filmed himsehttps://www.youtube.com/embed/eLKpmhknPE0 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/25/dan-mullen-says-unlv-must-prepare-for-memphis-unknowns-in-week-0/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b49SQqbMZlA/hqdefault.jpgDan Mullen, Jake Pope and Austin Boyd Talk Memphis Week as UNLV Opens 2026 SeasonLAS VEGAS — Dan Mullen needs UNLV’s veterans to recognize and communicate adjustments Saturday against a Memphis roster no one has seen play together. A new Tigers staff and more than 70 newcomers have left the Rebels studying coaching histories, with some answers unavailable until the opener begins. “There’s no film on the team we’re playing,” Mullen said Monday. “I can’t watch one play of this team. There are new faces, new coaches, new everything.” Charles Huff brought several players with him from Southern Miss, added transfers from elsewhere and has not publicly named a quarterback. UNLV can prepare for the systems his coordinators ran, but not know exactly how those systems fit the Tigers’ new lineup. Offensive coordinator Kevin Decker’s work at Old Dominion has been one starting point. Mullen expects Memphis to spread receivers across the field, use tempo and create one-on-one matchups, with size and speed at receiver and running back. UNLV’s defenders still have to recognize the formation and their responsibility when Decker presents those ideas with different players. “So much has to be based on yourself when you get into Week 1 and your execution,” Mullen said. “No matter what we prepare them for, it’s going to look a little different on game day and feel a little different on game day.” Decker’s previous offense was more than a passing reference for the scouting report. Memphis’ announcement of his hiring noted that Old Dominion finished the 2025 regular season seventh nationally in rushing offense at 236.9 yards per game and fifth in yards per completion at 14.92. Those are separate threats for UNLV’s secondary: helping against the run cannot mean losing receivers behind the coverage. The numbers establish what Decker’s former team produced, rather than whichttps://www.youtube.com/embed/b49SQqbMZlA https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/08/29/unlvs-fourth-quarter-collapse-spoils-jackson-arnolds-debut-in-27-21-loss-to-memphis/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bysez2IXpPA/hqdefault.jpgDan Mullen, Jackson Arnold and Jake Pope React After UNLV’s Week 0 Loss to MemphisFOX College Football LAS VEGAS — Memphis’ pass rush took away UNLV’s chance to finish a productive opener. Four fourth-quarter sacks of Jackson Arnold held the Rebels to 25 yards in the period as the Tigers completed a 27-21 win Saturday at Allegiant Stadium. Arnold had looked comfortable in his first UNLV start, leading the Rebels to a halftime advantage and answering when Memphis tied it early in the third. His 22-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kayden McGee put UNLV ahead 21-14 with 10:15 remaining in the third. Those were the Rebels’ last points. A missed field goal and two failed fourth downs also left promising possessions empty. Memphis scored the final 13 despite being outgained 460-418 and possessing the football for more than 10 fewer minutes. “One of the biggest things I think the game came down to was red-zone scoring,” UNLV coach Dan Mullen said afterward. UNLV’s unfinished possessions explain why 460 yards were not enough. The Rebels scored on two of four red-zone trips, missed their only field-goal attempt and failed twice on fourth down in Memphis territory. Three conversions in 15 third downs repeatedly left the next gain harder to find. UNLV finished 2-for-5 on fourth down. The pressure became damaging after halftime. Memphis did not sack Arnold in the first half but recorded six after the break, including four in the fourth quarter. Three came on third down, when UNLV was repeatedly forced into obvious passing situations. Mullen said Memphis did not unveil a dramatic halftime adjustment, but simply started winning matchups the Tigers had not consistently won during the opening two quarters. “They didn’t change their scheme,” Mullen said. “They were able to start winning some one-on-one battles in the fourth quarter.” UNLV had controlled those matchupshttps://www.youtube.com/embed/bysez2IXpPA https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/09/09/unlv-hockey-2026-27-roster-breakdown-16-returners-11-newcomers-reload-skatin-rebels/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WBjK_FhubgA/hqdefault.jpgWinkler Flyers Triple E RV Highlights [Flyers vs Selkirk Steelers Mar 13th]UNLV has much of its scoring back after reaching the ACHA semifinals, with three goaltenders competing to replace Douglas Wakelyn. A player-by-player roster guide.https://www.youtube.com/embed/WBjK_FhubgAhttps://i.ytimg.com/vi/LzIKAOx9aK8/hqdefault.jpgMasek Goal_2025.02.28UNLV has much of its scoring back after reaching the ACHA semifinals, with three goaltenders competing to replace Douglas Wakelyn. A player-by-player roster guide.https://www.youtube.com/embed/LzIKAOx9aK8https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Kv3BUAMUPlY/hqdefault.jpgWHL Hat-Tricks – Shaun RiosUNLV has much of its scoring back after reaching the ACHA semifinals, with three goaltenders competing to replace Douglas Wakelyn. A player-by-player roster guide.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kv3BUAMUPlY https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/09/26/dan-mullen-is-still-looking-for-the-player-who-responds-when-things-go-wrong/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hI_f8a3Dkdw/hqdefault.jpg9/24 Dan Mullen Radio Show on ESPN Las Vegas live at Sierra GoldThe Rebels’ accountability report showed few problems away from the field. Mullen wants a player who can stop mistakes from piling up during games, and he has challenged Jai’Den Thomas to speak up.https://www.youtube.com/embed/hI_f8a3Dkdw https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/10/10/instant-reaction-unlv-defense-ndsu-13-7/https://videos.files.wordpress.com/B2uZzddA/2026-10-10-18-25-51_mp4_hd.original.jpg2026-10-10-18-25-51-mp4Three interceptions and a defensive touchdown carried UNLV past unbeaten North Dakota State, but the Rebels' passing struggles remain a concern.https://videopress.com/embed/B2uZzddA72026-10-11T02:51:24+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/fQgQ3Rlx/2026-10-10-19-05-37_mp4_hd.original.jpg2026-10-10-19-05-37-mp4Three interceptions and a defensive touchdown carried UNLV past unbeaten North Dakota State, but the Rebels' passing struggles remain a concern.https://videopress.com/embed/fQgQ3Rlx342026-10-11T02:53:57+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/fIIFivU7/2026-10-10-19-00-33_mp4_hd.original.jpg2026-10-10-19-00-33-mp4Three interceptions and a defensive touchdown carried UNLV past unbeaten North Dakota State, but the Rebels' passing struggles remain a concern.https://videopress.com/embed/fIIFivU7182026-10-11T02:53:38+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/PhIKC83X/2026-10-10-21-05-46_mp4_hd.original.jpg2026-10-10-21-05-46-mp4Three interceptions and a defensive touchdown carried UNLV past unbeaten North Dakota State, but the Rebels' passing struggles remain a concern.https://videopress.com/embed/PhIKC83X122026-10-11T02:54:06+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/MCGOj69t/2026-10-10-21-25-54_mp4_hd.original.jpg2026-10-10-21-25-54-mp4Three interceptions and a defensive touchdown carried UNLV past unbeaten North Dakota State, but the Rebels' passing struggles remain a concern.https://videopress.com/embed/MCGOj69t142026-10-11T02:53:15+00:00 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/10/10/unlv-north-dakota-state-postgame-analysis-mullen/https://videos.files.wordpress.com/xZxiS5kN/2026-10-10-20-52-22_mp4_hd.original.jpg2026-10-10-20-52-22-mp4After UNLV's 13-7 win over North Dakota State, Dan Mullen explained missed one-on-one throws, red-zone decisions and the mistakes that left touchdowns on the field.https://videopress.com/embed/xZxiS5kN142026-10-11T02:55:32+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/gzc3NT8I/2026-10-10-20-58-46_mp4_hd.original.jpg2026-10-10-20-58-46-mp4After UNLV's 13-7 win over North Dakota State, Dan Mullen explained missed one-on-one throws, red-zone decisions and the mistakes that left touchdowns on the field.https://videopress.com/embed/gzc3NT8I152026-10-11T02:55:13+00:00 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/10/11/unlv-vs-utah-exhibition-reaction-turnovers-shooting-and-what-we-learned/https://videos.files.wordpress.com/hiiwu2yl/pastner1_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/hiiwu2yl222026-10-12T00:48:53+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/4xKpB47K/pastner2-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/4xKpB47K132026-10-12T00:50:49+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/gN9lkCKD/pastner3-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/gN9lkCKD142026-10-12T00:51:52+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/uMrdbwp0/pastnerf-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/uMrdbwp062026-10-12T00:56:16+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/eaQ6cTy4/pastner4-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/eaQ6cTy4112026-10-12T00:57:38+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/FwjXIIv2/pastner5-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/FwjXIIv2272026-10-12T00:58:41+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/oH1p3EUh/pastner6-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/oH1p3EUh132026-10-12T01:53:04+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/LmmEqJGI/pastner7-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/LmmEqJGI322026-10-12T01:54:02+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/7zW77Hbj/pastner8-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/7zW77Hbj232026-10-12T01:54:48+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/VMBbsjou/pastner9-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/VMBbsjou202026-10-12T01:55:24+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/Xmk61uaw/pastner10-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p.original.jpgUNLV-Utah exhibition reaction: Turnovers and missed free throws waste extra possessionsUNLV Athletics UNLV won the rebounding battle against Utah and still left too much of its offense unfinished. Wednesday’s 79-69 exhibition loss gave the Rebels 16 offensive rebounds, 29 free throws and repeated opportunities to get back into the game. Eighteen turnovers and 14 missed free throws made those opportunities much less valuable. The Rebels were without five players (Tyrin Jones, Tyler Harris and Issac Williamson were injured; Dontrez Williams was also absent; AJ Storr was ineligible) who are expected to start or play significant minutes. Their absence gave other players substantial work, though Williams’ reason for missing the game was not specified in Pastner’s game-day discussion. The Rebels played hard and won the rebounding battle 45-37. MJ Thomas and Jeremy Foumena were especially useful in giving UNLV chances to recover from missed shots. The distinction is what happened after the rebound: UNLV scored only nine second-chance points, while Utah scored 15 from 11 offensive boards. Turnovers were the big difference in the game. The Rebels had 18 turnovers to Utah’s 11, with six of those turnovers coming from point guards Terrance Ford Jr. and Cam Miles. In fact, almost a quarter of the Rebels’ possessions ended in turnovers. Utah was responsible for part of that difficulty. The Utes finished with 12 steals, including four by reserve guard TJ Burch. Burch and the Utes deserve credit for getting their hands on the ball. Utah turned UNLV’s turnovers into 18 points, while the Rebels scored 11 off the Utes’ 11 giveaways. The Rebels also shot poorly from the field at 39.7%, making only 23 of 58 shots. Of those 58 shots, 28 were from behind the 3-point line. They made only eight, or 28.6%. The shot distribution deserves attention, particularly when a possession ehttps://videopress.com/embed/Xmk61uaw172026-10-12T01:56:03+00:00 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/10/14/inside-the-air-force-defense-the-linebackers-behind-the-falcons-turnaround-and-where-unlv-can-attack/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UvP5ufg3m1U/hqdefault.jpgNorth Dakota State Bison vs Air Force Falcons Highlights 🏈 FOX College FootballBlake Fletcher and Dallas Daley have helped Air Force hold its last two opponents to 16 combined points. North Dakota State and Reno showed where the Falcons can still be challenged.https://www.youtube.com/embed/UvP5ufg3m1U https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/10/24/unlv-vs-byu-game-day-preview/https://videos.files.wordpress.com/jrr4EdFx/1-byu-thoughts-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p_compat.original.jpgJosh Pastner InterviewUNLV Athletics LAS VEGAS — UNLV faces No. 25 BYU Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center with a short bench and a point guard being asked to speak up. With Terrance Ford Jr. sidelined by a concussion, Cam Miles will direct the offense and Kota Suttle Jr. will back him up. BYU’s pressure is designed to make every pass more difficult. For a team still trying to settle its rotation, a hesitation between those guards and their teammates can decide a possession before a shot begins. Miles scored 16 points in the exhibition opener, but the 36 minutes he played against Utah produced no assists and three turnovers. Ford had one assist and three giveaways in 33 minutes. The combination left UNLV without enough routine passes creating baskets, even as Miles supplied three of the Rebels’ eight 3-pointers. Miles does not have to become a loud player. He does have to reach his teammates before BYU reaches the ball. A wing denied the pass needs to come toward him or cut behind the defender. A receiver watching him drive has to remain visible when help arrives. Silence would leave teammates guessing against a defense built to punish hesitation. Tipoff is at 1:00 PM Pacific, and the game will stream on MW+. BYU returns Saturday to the Thomas & Mack Center for the first time since 2011. The former conference rivals last met in Dec 2019. Limiting turnovers is one of Josh Pastner’s priorities against a defense that crowds passing lanes and disrupts the actions UNLV uses to move the ball. For a team already down to a short bench, a careless pass is an expensive way to give BYU another possession. BYU has already shown what that can look like. The Cougars forced 18 Nebraska turnovers in a 72-61 exhibition victory and scored 21 points from them. UNLV cannot treat getting the ball across halhttps://videopress.com/embed/jrr4EdFx282026-10-24T16:05:21+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/r0uLv0nQ/2-eligibility-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p_compat.original.jpgJosh Pastner InterviewUNLV Athletics LAS VEGAS — UNLV faces No. 25 BYU Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center with a short bench and a point guard being asked to speak up. With Terrance Ford Jr. sidelined by a concussion, Cam Miles will direct the offense and Kota Suttle Jr. will back him up. BYU’s pressure is designed to make every pass more difficult. For a team still trying to settle its rotation, a hesitation between those guards and their teammates can decide a possession before a shot begins. Miles scored 16 points in the exhibition opener, but the 36 minutes he played against Utah produced no assists and three turnovers. Ford had one assist and three giveaways in 33 minutes. The combination left UNLV without enough routine passes creating baskets, even as Miles supplied three of the Rebels’ eight 3-pointers. Miles does not have to become a loud player. He does have to reach his teammates before BYU reaches the ball. A wing denied the pass needs to come toward him or cut behind the defender. A receiver watching him drive has to remain visible when help arrives. Silence would leave teammates guessing against a defense built to punish hesitation. Tipoff is at 1:00 PM Pacific, and the game will stream on MW+. BYU returns Saturday to the Thomas & Mack Center for the first time since 2011. The former conference rivals last met in Dec 2019. Limiting turnovers is one of Josh Pastner’s priorities against a defense that crowds passing lanes and disrupts the actions UNLV uses to move the ball. For a team already down to a short bench, a careless pass is an expensive way to give BYU another possession. BYU has already shown what that can look like. The Cougars forced 18 Nebraska turnovers in a 72-61 exhibition victory and scored 21 points from them. UNLV cannot treat getting the ball across halhttps://videopress.com/embed/r0uLv0nQ302026-10-24T16:13:33+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/9dQfm9hg/3-success-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p_compat.original.jpgJosh Pastner InterviewUNLV Athletics LAS VEGAS — UNLV faces No. 25 BYU Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center with a short bench and a point guard being asked to speak up. With Terrance Ford Jr. sidelined by a concussion, Cam Miles will direct the offense and Kota Suttle Jr. will back him up. BYU’s pressure is designed to make every pass more difficult. For a team still trying to settle its rotation, a hesitation between those guards and their teammates can decide a possession before a shot begins. Miles scored 16 points in the exhibition opener, but the 36 minutes he played against Utah produced no assists and three turnovers. Ford had one assist and three giveaways in 33 minutes. The combination left UNLV without enough routine passes creating baskets, even as Miles supplied three of the Rebels’ eight 3-pointers. Miles does not have to become a loud player. He does have to reach his teammates before BYU reaches the ball. A wing denied the pass needs to come toward him or cut behind the defender. A receiver watching him drive has to remain visible when help arrives. Silence would leave teammates guessing against a defense built to punish hesitation. Tipoff is at 1:00 PM Pacific, and the game will stream on MW+. BYU returns Saturday to the Thomas & Mack Center for the first time since 2011. The former conference rivals last met in Dec 2019. Limiting turnovers is one of Josh Pastner’s priorities against a defense that crowds passing lanes and disrupts the actions UNLV uses to move the ball. For a team already down to a short bench, a careless pass is an expensive way to give BYU another possession. BYU has already shown what that can look like. The Cougars forced 18 Nebraska turnovers in a 72-61 exhibition victory and scored 21 points from them. UNLV cannot treat getting the ball across halhttps://videopress.com/embed/9dQfm9hg1142026-10-24T16:15:57+00:00https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EPn5qsdEX9Q/hqdefault.jpgDontrez Williams Expects UNLV Debut vs. BYU, Talks Ankle Recovery and Wrist InjuryUNLV Athletics LAS VEGAS — UNLV faces No. 25 BYU Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center with a short bench and a point guard being asked to speak up. With Terrance Ford Jr. sidelined by a concussion, Cam Miles will direct the offense and Kota Suttle Jr. will back him up. BYU’s pressure is designed to make every pass more difficult. For a team still trying to settle its rotation, a hesitation between those guards and their teammates can decide a possession before a shot begins. Miles scored 16 points in the exhibition opener, but the 36 minutes he played against Utah produced no assists and three turnovers. Ford had one assist and three giveaways in 33 minutes. The combination left UNLV without enough routine passes creating baskets, even as Miles supplied three of the Rebels’ eight 3-pointers. Miles does not have to become a loud player. He does have to reach his teammates before BYU reaches the ball. A wing denied the pass needs to come toward him or cut behind the defender. A receiver watching him drive has to remain visible when help arrives. Silence would leave teammates guessing against a defense built to punish hesitation. Tipoff is at 1:00 PM Pacific, and the game will stream on MW+. BYU returns Saturday to the Thomas & Mack Center for the first time since 2011. The former conference rivals last met in Dec 2019. Limiting turnovers is one of Josh Pastner’s priorities against a defense that crowds passing lanes and disrupts the actions UNLV uses to move the ball. For a team already down to a short bench, a careless pass is an expensive way to give BYU another possession. BYU has already shown what that can look like. The Cougars forced 18 Nebraska turnovers in a 72-61 exhibition victory and scored 21 points from them. UNLV cannot treat getting the ball across halhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/EPn5qsdEX9Qhttps://videos.files.wordpress.com/4UkIm7Q3/img_4855_mov_vp9_2160p.original.jpgimg_4855-movUNLV Athletics LAS VEGAS — UNLV faces No. 25 BYU Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center with a short bench and a point guard being asked to speak up. With Terrance Ford Jr. sidelined by a concussion, Cam Miles will direct the offense and Kota Suttle Jr. will back him up. BYU’s pressure is designed to make every pass more difficult. For a team still trying to settle its rotation, a hesitation between those guards and their teammates can decide a possession before a shot begins. Miles scored 16 points in the exhibition opener, but the 36 minutes he played against Utah produced no assists and three turnovers. Ford had one assist and three giveaways in 33 minutes. The combination left UNLV without enough routine passes creating baskets, even as Miles supplied three of the Rebels’ eight 3-pointers. Miles does not have to become a loud player. He does have to reach his teammates before BYU reaches the ball. A wing denied the pass needs to come toward him or cut behind the defender. A receiver watching him drive has to remain visible when help arrives. Silence would leave teammates guessing against a defense built to punish hesitation. Tipoff is at 1:00 PM Pacific, and the game will stream on MW+. BYU returns Saturday to the Thomas & Mack Center for the first time since 2011. The former conference rivals last met in Dec 2019. Limiting turnovers is one of Josh Pastner’s priorities against a defense that crowds passing lanes and disrupts the actions UNLV uses to move the ball. For a team already down to a short bench, a careless pass is an expensive way to give BYU another possession. BYU has already shown what that can look like. The Cougars forced 18 Nebraska turnovers in a 72-61 exhibition victory and scored 21 points from them. UNLV cannot treat getting the ball across halhttps://videopress.com/embed/4UkIm7Q3202026-10-24T16:17:13+00:00https://videos.files.wordpress.com/H6JanEb1/4-byu-challenges-hd-1080p_mov_hd_1080p_compat.original.jpgJosh Pastner InterviewUNLV Athletics LAS VEGAS — UNLV faces No. 25 BYU Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center with a short bench and a point guard being asked to speak up. With Terrance Ford Jr. sidelined by a concussion, Cam Miles will direct the offense and Kota Suttle Jr. will back him up. BYU’s pressure is designed to make every pass more difficult. For a team still trying to settle its rotation, a hesitation between those guards and their teammates can decide a possession before a shot begins. Miles scored 16 points in the exhibition opener, but the 36 minutes he played against Utah produced no assists and three turnovers. Ford had one assist and three giveaways in 33 minutes. The combination left UNLV without enough routine passes creating baskets, even as Miles supplied three of the Rebels’ eight 3-pointers. Miles does not have to become a loud player. He does have to reach his teammates before BYU reaches the ball. A wing denied the pass needs to come toward him or cut behind the defender. A receiver watching him drive has to remain visible when help arrives. Silence would leave teammates guessing against a defense built to punish hesitation. Tipoff is at 1:00 PM Pacific, and the game will stream on MW+. BYU returns Saturday to the Thomas & Mack Center for the first time since 2011. The former conference rivals last met in Dec 2019. Limiting turnovers is one of Josh Pastner’s priorities against a defense that crowds passing lanes and disrupts the actions UNLV uses to move the ball. For a team already down to a short bench, a careless pass is an expensive way to give BYU another possession. BYU has already shown what that can look like. The Cougars forced 18 Nebraska turnovers in a 72-61 exhibition victory and scored 21 points from them. UNLV cannot treat getting the ball across halhttps://videopress.com/embed/H6JanEb1412026-10-24T16:17:39+00:00 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/10/29/unlvs-front-faces-telly-johnson-after-air-forces-430-yard-rushing-game/https://videos.files.wordpress.com/YNxqn5EZ/2026-10-10-21-13-08-5_mp4_hd_1080p_compat.original.jpgUNLV Must Stop Telly Johnson Before Its Pass Rush Can Reach Taron DickensUNLV's pass rush can pressure Taron Dickens, but Telly Johnson's yards after contact will test whether the Rebels can force Northern Illinois into passing downs.https://videos.files.wordpress.com/YNxqn5EZ/2026-10-10-21-13-08-5.mp4 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/2026/11/01/mountain-west-football-recap-unlv-niu-new-mexico-oct-31-2026/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WQ4Y2e_Bn8A/hqdefault.jpgHighlights - UCLA Football vs. Nevada (Oct 31, 2026)UNLV survived NIU 31-24 as New Mexico stayed unbeaten in Mountain West play. The week’s finals, decisive plays and championship implications.https://www.youtube.com/embed/WQ4Y2e_Bn8A https://the-scarlet-standard.com/sam-kingery-week-9-preview/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AGYhsCRHTlE/hqdefault.jpgCollege Football Week 9 Preview: Georgia-Florida, Upset Picks & Sicko GamesWatch The Sam Kingery Show’s Week 9 college football preview, covering Georgia-Florida, upset picks and Sicko Games.https://www.youtube.com/embed/AGYhsCRHTlE https://the-scarlet-standard.com/sam-kingery-week-8-reaction/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YIuM6TaliL8/hqdefault.jpgCollege Football Week 8 Reaction: Minnesota Stuns Iowa, Texas Beats Ole Miss, BYU Falls to UCFWatch The Sam Kingery Show’s Week 8 reaction: Minnesota stuns Iowa, Texas beats Ole Miss and BYU falls to UCF.https://www.youtube.com/embed/YIuM6TaliL8 https://the-scarlet-standard.com/sam-kingery-weekly-sports-roundup/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y8eqfS7VdlE/hqdefault.jpgWeekly Sports Roundup: NBA, World Series, NHL & SoccerWatch The Sam Kingery Show’s weekly sports roundup covering the NBA, World Series, NHL and soccer.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8eqfS7VdlE