The Dan Mullen era at UNLV is off to a strong start, with the Rebels posting the highest average per-player rating among all Group of 6 programs for the 2026 recruiting class, per 247Sports. The mark of 85.32 covers both high school signees and transfers, placing UNLV ahead of every school in the Mountain West, American, Conference USA, Sun Belt, MAC, and Pac-12, plus one independent.

Mullen’s first full recruiting cycle follows a 10-4 season that included a trip to the Frisco Bowl and an appearance in the Mountain West championship game. The Rebels added tight end Aveon Williams during the February signing period. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound prospect from Casa Grande, Arizona, is the highest-rated tight end and sixth-highest-rated high school player ever to sign with UNLV. He held offers from Oregon, Arizona, and Arizona State after originally committing to North Carolina.

On the coaching staff, outside linebackers coach Jeremy Bruce has left to take a defensive quality control role with the Indianapolis Colts. Bruce previously worked at Kentucky, SMU, Oregon State, and within the Mountain West at Fresno State and Wyoming. He announced the move on his Instagram account this week.

UNLV opens spring practice on March 26.