UNLV is shaking up college sports, drawing attention from analysts who compare the Rebels’ rise to Arizona State’s historic leap. Once considered an afterthought, the program is now viewed as a “sleeping giant,” ready to become a signature story in Las Vegas.With new leadership and growing support from locals and tourists, UNLV is positioned to make a lasting impact on the national stage.
UNLV Football’s Momentum Draws National Attention As Season Nears
UNLV football’s rapid turnaround has pushed the program into the national conversation, with some analysts drawing bold parallels to Arizona State’s resurgence last year.
The Rebels, once known for struggles on the field, are now gaining recognition for their recent success and strong positioning off the field. Former college football player and analyst Adam Breneman said, “College football’s sleeping giants are waking up. Last year, it was Arizona State, and this year, it is UNLV.”
This belief is rooted in improved results, recruiting advantages, and upgraded infrastructure. UNLV finished the 2024 season 11-3, reached the Mountain West Championship Game, and closed the year with a win in the LA Bowl over California.
The Rebels made their first appearance in the national rankings, ending the season at No. 23 in the media poll and No. 24 in the coaches poll. This success followed back-to-back winning seasons, something UNLV had not achieved in four decades.
Breneman highlighted several reasons for the program’s momentum.
“First is location,” he said. “UNLV is a five-hour drive from Southern California, less than a three-hour flight from Dallas and Houston, and has a national powerhouse high school football program in their backyard.”
With Bishop Gorman High School producing top recruits every year, UNLV’s proximity to elite talent gives the program a unique edge. “They can put together a top 40 recruiting class quickly,” Breneman added.
Facilities are another reason experts see upside for the Rebels. Breneman cited former Florida and Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen, who now leads UNLV, as being impressed by the program’s setup.
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“Dan Mullen said the facility there blows everything away from when he was at Florida,” Breneman noted.
Allegiant Stadium, which UNLV shares with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, has become a major selling point for recruits and fans.
“Dan Mullen got Mississippi State ranked number one in the nation with some of the worst resources in the SEC. Now he’s got Allegiant Stadium,” Breneman emphasized. Las Vegas itself is also a growing draw for players and fans.
“They can pitch the best players in the country on suiting up for a top 25 team at noon, and then sitting ringside at UFC that night,” Breneman said. “Sometimes sleeping giants stay sleeping. Sometimes they wake up.”
Attendance numbers show the city is starting to rally behind its college team. In 2024, the Rebels averaged about 23,291 fans per home game, with a season total of 139,747 fans. The largest home crowd was 33,918 for the Boise State game.
That’s nearly 31,000 more fans than the previous year, signaling increased local interest in the program. Attendance figures reflect this growing support.
Despite the momentum, challenges remain. UNLV athletics faces about $27 million in debt, and conference realignment continues to be a concern for the program’s future. Regardless, as many of the Mountain West’s powers are heading for the Pac-12 soon, the Rebels might be in a prime position to take the conference’s top spot.
