In a significant milestone for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Football program, the Rebels achieved a remarkable 24-13 victory over Cal in the Art of Sport LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. This victory not only marked the team’s first bowl win since 2000, but it also tied the school record for wins in a season with an impressive 11 wins against 3 losses. The game drew a crowd of 24,420 fans, showcasing the growing support for the program.
The win came at a crucial time as the Rebels navigated coaching changes; former head coach Barry Odom departed for Purdue following a loss in the Mountain West Conference championship game. Additionally, offensive coordinator Brennan Marion is also set to leave for a potential head coaching position at Sacramento State. Nevertheless, the team remained resilient and focused during the bowl game, reflecting their growth under Odom’s leadership.
This season has been historic for the Rebels, who had been struggling for decades before Odom’s arrival, which brought in a new standard of excellence and recruited notable talent from Arkansas, such as linebacker Jackson Woodard and defensive back Jalen Catalon. Despite facing a 6-6 Cal team that had transitioned from the Pac-12 to the ACC, the Rebels showcased their offensive prowess with substantial touchdown passes from quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams.
With the recent hiring of Dan Mullen, former head coach at Florida and Mississippi State, UNLV is optimistic about its future. Mullen expressed confidence in the program’s potential to become a consistent powerhouse and noted that the Rebels were just one win away from competing in college football’s inaugural 12-team playoff championship.
The victory over Cal not only solidifies UNLV’s progress but also sets a hopeful tone for the upcoming seasons under new leadership. Fans and players alike have much to look forward to as the Rebels aim to build on this success and become a formidable force in college football.
In summary, the UNLV Rebels have demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth this season, culminating in a historic bowl victory. As the program transitions to new leadership, there is palpable excitement for what lies ahead, indicating a promising future for UNLV Football.