The buzz around UNLV football has never been louder, and it’s reverberating through high school hallways across the valley. With a 7-2 record under first-year head coach Dan Mullen, the Rebels aren’t just winning games, they’re winning hearts and changing perceptions about what it means to play college football in Las Vegas.
For students at Shadow Ridge High School, UNLV’s resurgence hits particularly close to home. The Mustangs’ own football program has been building success this fall, and players say they’re watching the Rebels with renewed interest.
“It’s crazy to see UNLV doing this well. When I was growing up, nobody really talked about UNLV football. Now everyone’s watching them, and it makes you think that staying home for college could actually be a real option,” says Junior Blake Holmestrome
UNLV’s 6-0 start included an impressive victory over UCLA that turned heads nationally. That win particularly resonated with local athletes who see UNLV competing against and beating Power Five programs.
“Coach has been showing us UNLV highlights during film sessions. Seeing them pack out Allegiant Stadium and compete at that level, it’s inspiring. We’ve got guys on our team who could play at that level, and now it doesn’t seem so far-fetched to stay local,” says Junior Evan Collier.
Several Shadow Ridge players have watched games this season, soaking in the film and imagining themselves in Rebels uniforms.
“You watch it and it doesn’t feel like a college game, it feels like the pros. The crowd’s into it, the energy’s crazy, and you see those UNLV players and think, ‘That could be me in two years.’ It’s not just a dream anymore; it’s like a real possibility,” says junior Brayden Brock
When asked about potential job offers from Power Five programs, Mullen firmly stated, “I’m going to be the head coach at UNLV next year.”
This kind of commitment resonates with recruits looking for stability and program development. For Shadow Ridge players, Mullen’s coaching pedigree carries significant weight. Having coached Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow at Florida and developed Dak Prescott at Mississippi State, Mullen brings elite quarterback development to Las Vegas.
“Coach Mullen coached Tim Tebow and Dak Prescott. Now he’s here in Vegas, coaching at UNLV. That tells you something about where this program is headed. If you’re good enough, you don’t have to leave Nevada to get great coaching and develop into a pro,” said Shadow Ridge quarterback Isiah Ruiz.
When discussing his expectations for the UNLV team, Mullen compared them to his successful Mississippi State squads, saying, “I had a feeling we had a pretty good team. We ended up being No. 1 in the country for (four weeks). I kind of like our (UNLV) team.”
“We’re all rooting for them. Every Shadow Ridge player I know wants to see UNLV keep winning,” said senior Ula Cox, “They’re representing Vegas the right way, and they’re showing all of us that you don’t have to leave home to chase your dreams. You can do it right here.”
