The college football season kicks off with an intersubdivision battle between Idaho State and UNLV. Both teams want to set the tone early.
After a sojourn to the studio, Dan Mullen returns to the sidelines to lead a Runnin’ Rebels team that looks to start the season off positively. After an 11-3 season, former head coach Barry Odom left to take the job at Purdue. Now, Mullen, replete with a .628 win percentage, looks to forge his legacy in the desert.
Meanwhile, the Bengals bring a high-octane offense to the field. ISU, helmed by head coach Cody Hawkins, brings the second-best passing offense in the Big Sky to Las Vegas, averaging 298.4 yards per game.
Idaho State Bengals at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels
This will be the 10th time the two schools will line up against each other on the gridiron.
Series Breakdown:
- 2022 – 52-21 UNLV
- 2015 – 80-8 UNLV
- 2006 – 54-10 UNLV
- 1984 – 33–20 ISU (forfeit)
- 1976 – 31-17 UNLV
- 1975 – 15–7 UNLV
- 1974 – 31-7 UNLV
- 1970 – 64–34 ISU
- 1969 – 35-31 UNLV
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Time: 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT
- Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
How To Watch
TV: Mountain West Network/Silver State Sports & Entertainment
Look Ahead to the 2025 Season for Both Teams
The Runnin’ Rebels either graduated or lost most starters to the transfer portal. As a result, they hit the portal harder than most teams. That confusion starts at quarterback, where two transfers vie for that starting gig. Anthony Colandrea (Virginia) and Alex Orji (Michigan) continue to push for the job.
Jai’Den Thomas gives UNLV a solid option in the backfield for all of the upheaval. Last season, he ran for 918 yards and seven touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Marsel McDuffie should bring his experience and willingness to strike the ball carrier into a defense that still needs time to gel. Also, safety Kodi DeCambra is the only holdover on a defense that will start nine new players.
Offense will be Idaho State’s main calling card this season. The Bengals’ pride and joy is their offensive line, which accounted for just five sacks during the entirety of last season. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jordan Cooke will look to use that line to slowly pick apart defenses. Speaking of defenses, ISU will probably have to sell out just to get home, leading to one-on-one opportunities on the boundary.
Vegas, by virtue of its superior talent, looks to put the game to bed early. With a sound running game against an undersized front, the Runnin’ Rebels can rely on Thomas to get downhill in a hurry. Can the Bengals hold up on both sides of the ball?
