Dan Mullen isn’t shying away from the heightened expectations surrounding UNLV football as he enters his second season at the helm. Speaking to local media on national signing day, February 4, 2026, at the Fertitta Football Complex, the coach made it clear that a Mountain West championship should always be the goal.
Unlike last year, when the Rebels had only a handful of returning starters and a roster full of new faces, the balance has shifted. Now, more than half the players are returning, bringing familiarity and leadership. “The old guys are stepping up, leading the way,” Mullen said. “Not just the standards and expectations of how to perform, but just understanding what the workouts are about, what different drills we are doing.”
Mullen noted that the team is ahead of schedule thanks to the work of strength and conditioning coach Tanner Maher. “Our returning players are in such better shape than when we took over,” he added.
Quarterback Competition
Spring practice begins March 26, and all eyes will be on the quarterback battle. The Rebels signed Jackson Arnold, a former five-star recruit from Denton, Texas, who played at Oklahoma and Auburn. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound dual-threat fits Mullen’s offensive style. He’ll compete with returning quarterback Alex Orji, who suffered a season-ending leg injury against UCLA in September. Orji is expected to throw during spring ball and be fully cleared by summer.
Last year’s starter, Anthony Colandrea, the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, transferred to Nebraska. “We’ll be different, that’s for sure,” Mullen said. “You’re always playing to the strengths of your players.”
Special Teams Shuffle
Mullen will take on additional responsibilities after special teams coordinator Adam Scheier left for Florida State. Instead of hiring a replacement, Mullen will call special teams plays with help from analyst Mitch Singler. “I think I’m much more comfortable now,” Mullen said. “We’re in year two, the whole program, everybody’s in a much more comfortable position, which opens me up to be more involved in specific areas.”
UNLV finished 10-4 last season, including a Frisco Bowl loss to Ohio, 17-10. Despite the record, Mullen expressed disappointment at falling short of a Mountain West title. “There was disappointment with last year’s team,” he said. “To win the Mountain West championship is what we can control. And we fell one game short.” He added, “Winning 10 games is not something to be taken lightly. But our expectations were higher last year and will continue to be higher.”
