UNLV Rebels:

Barry Odom’s first season in Las Vegas was a wild success. UNLV went 9-5 SU/10-4 ATS and made it to a bowl game for the first time since 2014. The Rebels were also one of the best cover teams in the country. Odom returns for a second season with the same staff. There are some questions at position groups like quarterback, but UNLV is considered – and should be – one of the best teams in the Mountain West.

Offense

The quarterback room is brand new for UNLV this season. Jayden Maiava – who started 11 games – transferred to USC. Doug Brumfield medically retired. In their place are a pair of FCS transfers in Matthew Sluka (Holy Cross) and Hajj-Malik Williams (Campbell). Both could be considered downgrades on the surface, but both should fit much better in offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense.

 

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Wide receiver is the strongest skill position group for UNLV. Ricky White was First Team All-Mountain West after catching 88 balls for 1,487 yards and eight touchdowns. Jacob De Jesus was not charged with a single drop last season, and was a Third Team All-American on special teams.

Three starters return along the offensive line, including Second Team All-Mountain West right tackle Tiger Shanks.

The Rebels finished 23rd in EPA per play last season (0.183) and 19th in EPA per dropback. Marion’s scheme played a large part in this unit being so successful. With a better fit at quarterback UNLV should be just as productive this season.

Defense

This was UNLV’s weakest link last season, and that could be the case once more in 2024. However, Odom made it a goal to bring in more size across the board, so a leap in production could be in the cards.

In the middle, the Rebels are led by First Team All-Mountain West linebacker Jackson Woodard. The senior had 79 tackles and 27 pressures last season. He was a key piece for a UNLV defense which finished 33rd in opponent EPA per rush. Six of the top eight return along the defensive line, so it is likely run defense is a strength for this group again.

The big question for the Rebels is the secondary. Only two players last season posted a PFF coverage grade over 70 and one of those players – Fred Thompkins – is gone. Odom brought some size in the defensive backfield in the offseason – Arkansas transfer Malik Chavis and Texas transfer Jalen Catalon – so this unit does have upside.

Outlook

UNLV has expectations for the first time in a long time, and this team could meet those expectations. Quarterback is fair to question, but if either Sluka or Williams hit, this team will be dangerous. The Rebels must face both Boise State and Fresno State, but they get both teams at home. Road trips to Utah State, Hawaii and San Jose State are winnable away games. It would not be a shock to see UNLV surpass its win total and find its way into the conference championship game for a second straight year.

Pick: Over 7.5 Wins

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