UNLV football opens its fall training camp Wednesday as a favorite in the new-look Mountain West. Several questions still need to be answered before a Week Zero game.
Here are five storylines to keep an eye on.
1. Quarterback competition: Look — someone has to start against Memphis on Aug. 29. So even if coaches won’t name a front-runner throughout training camp, there is definitely a battle between returner Alex Orji and Auburn transfer Jackson Arnold. We will see how the former’s injured leg — Orji suffered a Grade 3 LCL sprain and severe hamstring tear against UCLA last September — reacts in camp. Arnold has started a total of 18 games between Oklahoma and Auburn, combining for 3,293 passing yards and 871 on the ground.
2. Workload for Jet: Assume the key here is to ready senior running back Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas for a bigger workload than last season as a more every-down back. Thomas ranks eighth all-time on UNLV’s rushing list and could in a large way help take early pressure off a new starting quarterback. Thomas has improved his pass-catching abilities each season.
3. Wide receiver room: Many expect a big-time breakout season from junior Taeshaun Lyons, a preseason all-Mountain West selection. He appeared in all 14 games last season and caught 16 passes for 241 yards and three scores. Had a 72-yard touchdown reception against Hawaii. Also keep an eye on sophomore Kayden McGee, who made a name for himself on special teams. Lots of new faces here.
4. The defense: Crazy. UNLV’s best effort on this side of the ball last season came in a 17-10 loss to Ohio in the Frisco Bowl. Which happened to be the Rebels’ worst offensive showing of the year. But things need to improve in a second full season running defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s scheme. Communication needs to be much better on the back end. Four of the team’s top 10 tacklers return.
5. Center of attention: Austin Boyd assumes the center position from the departed Reid Williams and — again, with a new quarterback — will be in charge of making sure things run smoothly up front. Look for the offensive line unit to have a chance at being better than last season. Three starters must be replaced, but a handful of experienced transfers makes this a promising position group for the Rebels.
Ed Graney can be reached at egraney@reviewjournal.com. Follow @edgraney on X.
