With several new faces joining a roster that has made three consecutive Mountain West championship game appearances, there are extremely high expectations surrounding UNLV. The Rebels have amassed 30 wins over the past three seasons.
Here are some key players who could play key roles in determining how UNLV’s season unfolds.
Kayden McGee
Wide Receiver
There is not a position group on the UNLV roster that has seen more turnover than wide receiver following the departure of graduating senior Jaden Bradley and Troy Omeire’s transfer to Mountain West rival New Mexico this past offseason.
That opens the door for McGee, the redshirt sophomore who has appeared in 16 games during his tenure with the Rebels after signing out of Muskogee, Oklahoma, as a former three-star recruit.
McGee has recorded three catches for 97 yards and a touchdown while adding 56 yards on the ground on seven attempts, including a game-winning touchdown run in overtime against Utah State last season.
With a brand-new quarterback looking to establish chemistry with his receivers, McGee could become an early reliable target at all three levels of the field if he takes advantage of the opportunity.
Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji
Quarterbacks
After the departure of former Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea, Dan Mullen and his staff quickly moved to find a new man to go under center in 2026.
In January, the program seemingly found its guy in Arnold, who comes to UNLV after spending three years in the SEC and making 18 total starts with Oklahoma and Auburn.
However, the quarterback battle during training camp has been nothing short of entertaining, as returning quarterback Alex Orji has given the coaching staff something to think about, including highlight plays like a 30-plus-yard pass off one foot while on the run that went viral on social media.
Orji appeared in three games with the Rebels in 2025 after transferring from Michigan before suffering a severe leg injury against UCLA in Week 2 of the season.
Both options bring plenty of unique experience in big-time college football environments that could prove useful both on and off the field.
Jai’Den Thomas
Running Back
There isn’t much more that needs to be said about one of the premier running backs in the Mountain West who elected to return to the UNLV program for his final year of eligibility.
Thomas has recorded 2,457 yards on the ground and 33 total touchdowns through his three-year career, including a career-high 1,036 yards on 148 attempts during the 2025 season.
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Cam Santee
Linebacker
Along with the return of former defensive coordinator Mike Scherer, who will serve as the program’s linebackers coach this season, came a few new names to the Rebels’ linebacker corps, including Santee, a senior transfer from Holy Cross.
Despite making the jump to the FBS level, Santee has extensive experience and accolades during his three-year tenure with the Crusaders, including finishing the 2025 season with 110 total tackles, 46 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.
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Cohen Fuller, Latterance Welch and Donovan Spellman
Returning Veterans
In the current landscape of college athletics, there are a multitude of ways for players to return to the collegiate level, and that is no different in Year 2 of the Mullen era. After previously departing the program following their senior seasons with the Rebels, Fuller, Welch and Spellman are all set to return to UNLV in 2026.
Fuller will join Lucas Conti up front on the defensive line after recording two sacks and 27 total tackles in 2025, while Spellman will provide added depth at linebacker after playing in Paul Guenther’s defensive scheme last season.
However, Welch may be the most important piece of the puzzle for a defense that ranked among the bottom third of the conference last year. After spending time at LSU and Arizona State, Welch recorded a team-high five interceptions last season, along with 24 total tackles.
Donovan Hicks
Las Vegas Review-Journal
