UNLV football secured 15 spots on Phil Steele's 2026 Preseason All-Mountain West teams after a strong track record of three straight bowl appearances. Key highlights include running back Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas earning First Team honors, ranking eighth in school history with 2,457 career rushing yards. Other notable selections include senior offensive lineman Austin Boyd and cornerback Avery Helm from Florida and TCU. The Rebels are set to launch their season on August 29, hosting Memphis in a nationally aired matchup on FOX TV.

By the Numbers
  • 15 total players named to Phil Steele's 2026 Preseason All-Mountain West teams.
  • Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas ranks eighth in career rushing yards at UNLV with 2,457 yards.
Yes, But

The selection of numerous players highlights individual achievements, yet the team must translate these accolades into wins on the field to build on past successes.

State of Play
  • UNLV football is entering its 59th season under second-year head coach Dan Mullen.
  • The Rebels are poised for a challenging opener against Memphis, aiming to showcase their improved roster.
What's Next

As the season approaches, attention will turn to how the selected players perform in critical games, which could influence their draft stock and the team's overall success.

Bottom Line

UNLV's impressive preseason nods highlight strong individual talent, but success will hinge on their ability to cohesively perform as a unit this upcoming season.