UNLV Rebels football

UNLV Rebels football
2024 UNLV Rebels football team
First season	1968;56 years ago
Athletic director	Erick Harper
Head coach	Barry Odom 2nd season, 13–5 (.722)
Stadium	Allegiant Stadium (capacity: 65,000)
Field	John Sala Intramural Fields South
Field surface	AstroTurf(1971–1998) Natural grass (1999–2002) DURAPlay (2003–2015) Sprinturf (2015–2019) FieldTurf (2020–present)
Location	Paradise, Nevada
NCAA division	Division I FBS
Conference	Mountain West
Division	West
Past conferences	College Division Independent (1968–1972) Division II Independent(1973–1977) Division I-A Independent(1978–1981) Pacific Coast / Big West(1982–1995) WAC(1996–1998)
All-time record	256–386–4 (.399)
Bowl record	2–2 (.500)
Conference titles	1
Rivalries	Nevada(rivalry) Hawaii(rivalry) San Jose State
Consensus All-Americans	1 (Division II) 1 (D-1)
Colors	Scarlet and gray
Fight song	Win with the Rebels
Mascot	No Mascot currently
Marching band	Star of Nevada
Website	unlvrebels.com

TheUNLV Rebels footballprogram is acollege footballteam that represents theUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas(UNLV). The team is a member of theMountain West Conference,which is aDivision IBowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) conference of theNational Collegiate Athletics Association(NCAA). The program, which began on September 14, 1968, plays its home games atAllegiant StadiuminParadise, Nevada.

History

See also:List of UNLV Rebels football seasons

Early history

In 1967, Nevada Southern University announced that they would field a collegiate football program beginning on September 14, 1968, and announced that the team would be aDivision IIIndependent and thatBill Irelandwould be the program's first head coach. The Rebels played their first game of their inaugural season against theSt. Mary's GaelsatCashman Fieldin Las Vegas. The Rebels won the game, defeating the Gaels 27–20 in front of 8,000 fans. The Rebels remained undefeated until the last game of the season, losing to theCal Lutheran Kingsmen,13–17, as the Rebels finished their inaugural campaign 8–1. The following year, the Rebels played their first game against in-state rivalNevada,losing to the Wolf Pack 28–30. UNLV gained revenge, defeating Nevada the following year, 42–30, in the first year that theFremont Cannonwas awarded. On September 25, 1971, the Rebels played their first game against a Division I school, when they playedUtah Stateof thePacific Coast Athletic Association(PCAA), ultimately losing 7–27. On October 23, 1971, the Rebels opened their new home,Las Vegas Stadium,againstWeber State,losing 17–30. At the end of the 1972 season with a disappointing 1–10 record, Ireland announced he was stepping down, leaving the Rebels with a 26–23–1 record.

A football signed by the 1973 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels football team that was gifted to PresidentGerald Ford.

Ireland was replaced byRon Meyerbefore the start of the 1973 season and Meyer led the Rebels back to powerhouse status with an 8–3 record, including their first victory over a major college opponent, thrashingMarshall31–9. The Rebels continued their strong campaign, breaking the national Division II top-10 and announcing their firstAll-American,running back Mike Thomas, who ran for the Division II national rushing title with 1,741 and setting nine school records in the process. The Rebels' success continued in 1974 with the only undefeated season in school history, finishing 11–0 and ranking second in the national Division II polls, the highest any Rebels football team has ever placed. The Rebels embarked on their first post-season journey in a national quarterfinal againstAlcorn State,defeating the Braves 35–22 in Las Vegas. The Rebels memorable season ended in the national semifinals in theGrantland Rice Bowl,losing toDelaware11–49. Meyer left the program in 1976 to take the head coaching position at collegiate powerhouseSMU.

The move to Division I

FormerBoise StatecoachTony Knaptook over the Rebels in 1976, after Ron Meyer's departure. Knap was able to continue the Rebels prior success under Meyer, with a 9–3 record, a ranking of 7th in the nation and a berth in the Division II playoffs, ultimately losing toAkron6–27 in the national quarterfinals. After ten years as a Division II independent, the program made the jump to the Division I level in 1978, independent of any conference affiliation. On September 9, the Rebels played their first game as a Division I school, losing toWashington State7–34. The Rebels defeated their first major college opponent away from Las Vegas, with a 33–6 victory overColorado StateinFort Collins.At the end of the season, the Rebels made a trip toYokohama, Japan,to compete against college football powerhouseBrigham Young,losing 28–24. Even with the hard end to the season, the Rebels still produced a memorable year, going 7–4 in their first campaign at the Division I level. The 1981 season proved to be the last in Knap's tenure at UNLV, as he retired from coaching after a year of accomplishments, including the Rebels' first appearance in theABC'sRegional Game of the Week (a 21–45 loss atWyoming), a 45–41 upset of 8th-ranked BYU inProvo,Utah,and securing the programs 100th win (27–20 atUTEP) inEl Paso,Texas.

The 1982 season was a big year in UNLV football history as the program hired its fourth head coach,Harvey Hydeand the Rebels became affiliated with a college athletic conference when they joined thePacific Coast Athletic Association(PCAA). The Rebels' first PCAA game was a 27–29 loss toPacificon October 2. It took the entire season before the Rebels won their first conference game, a 42–23 victory againstCal State Fullertonon November 27. The Rebels won their first conference championship in 1984 as theRandall Cunningham-led Rebels finished 11–2, including the program's first trip to abowl game,a 30–13 victory overToledoin theCalifornia BowlinFresno,California.Hyde stepped down after the 1985 season and a 5–5–1 record when theNCAAdiscovered that several players on the 1983 and 1984 Rebels were ineligible. The Rebels were forced to forfeit their entire 1983 and 1984 seasons, including the California Bowl.

Wayne Nunnelybecame the program's fifth head coach on September 20, 1986, and he coached the Rebels to a 17–7 victory overWisconsinin front of the first sellout crowd in Silver Bowl Stadium history, a then record 32,207 fans. One of Nunnely's key players wasElbert "Ickey" Woods,the first Rebel and PCAA running back to win the national Division I rushing title, as he rushed for 1,658 yards and was drafted by theCincinnati Bengalsin the1988 NFL draft.

1994 was another memorable season for the Rebels, as wide receiver Randy Gatewood set two single-game receiving records in a 38–48 loss toIdahoon September 17. The Rebels then stunned the heavily favoredNevada,32–27 to win a share of the Big West Conference championship, the program's second title (but the first one they were allowed to keep). The Rebels then defeatedCentral Michigan52–24 in theLas Vegas Bowlon their home field.

In 1996, the Rebels along withSan Jose Stateleft the Big West Conference and became a member of the heavily expandedWestern Athletic Conference.The league announced that it would hold achampionship gamefor the top team in each of the two divisions at the end of each season and that the game would be held at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. The Rebels lost their first WAC game, 65–17 toAir Forceon September 7. The Rebels finally won their first WAC game in a 44–42 shootout againstSan Diego Stateon November 16, in a game in which freshman quarterback John Denton set an NCAA freshman record for passing yards with 503. Although the Rebels finished 1–11, Denton still set ten NCAA freshman records. On October 17, 1998, UNLV played their first overtime game, losing to San Diego State 17–20. In 1999, the Rebels finished with the program's first winless season, but had their first consensus First Team All-American inpunterJoe Kristosik, who averaged a nationally best 46.2 yard per punt average.

1999–present

In 1999, the Rebels made headlines, first by leaving the WAC with seven other schools to form theMountain West Conference,but also by announcing that the program had hired legendary collegiate and professional coachJohn Robinsonas their eighth head coach.The school would repeat its conference hardships in the Mountain West as they lost their conference opener on September 25, 14–52 toUtah.The Rebels secured their first Mountain West victory on October 9 with a 35–32 triumph over Wyoming. Despite a challenging 1999 season, UNLV experienced a notable moment in college football history during week two when they faced Baylor. Trailing 24–21 with only ten seconds remaining and no timeouts left, Baylor opted to run the ball rather than take a knee. The decision backfired as Baylor fumbled, allowing UNLV's Kevin Thomas to recover and return the ball 99 yards for a touchdown, resulting in a dramatic 27–24 Rebel victory. As the year 2000 approached, hopes were high that UNLV football was on the brink of a turnaround, making significant strides towards competing for the Mountain West crown. The Rebels started by upsetting previously undefeated Air Force 34–13 on September 30 in the first time that ABC came to Las Vegas for the Rebels football game. The Rebels then ended a five-game skid to rivalNevada,defeating the Wolf Pack 34–13 in front of the largest crowd to see a game in theBattle for Nevada.The season went down to the wire as the Rebels had to pull out a 34–32 victory on the road againstHawaiito clinch their third berth in a bowl game. The Rebels were chosen as the Mountain West representative for the Las Vegas Bowl on December 20.The Rebels would continue their undefeated streak in bowl games as they defeatedArkansas31–14 in front of a Las Vegas Bowl record 29,113 fans.They finished the season 8–5.

Before the start of the 2001 season, the Rebels garnered national accolades as the team was ranked No. 25 inSports Illustrated's preseason Top 25 and No. 24 in Football Digest's rankings. Quarterback Jason Thomas was named a candidate for theHeisman Trophy,ranking as high as No. 7. Although the Rebels seemed good on paper, the team did not gel and ended the season a disappointing 4–7. On October 5, 2002, the Rebels defeated rival Nevada 21–17 for Robinson's 200th career coaching victory. Robinson retired after the 2004 season, having led the Rebels to a bowl game and five consecutive victories over rival Nevada.

On December 6, 2004, the Rebels hired Utah assistant coachMike Sanfordas the 9th head coach.In his first three years at the helm of the Rebels football program, Sanford failed to win more than two games and had back to back 2–10 seasons, finishing last in the Mountain West all three years. Sanford failed to beat Nevada all five years he coached at UNLV. Despite UNLV's troubles the program sent former RebelsEric WrightandBeau Bellto theNFL draft.

The Rebels finished the 2008 season with a 5–7 record after starting the season 3–1. This was the best win–loss record UNLV had since going 6–6 in 2003. It also marked the first time UNLV did not finish last in their division since 2004. Their 23–20 victory over No. 15 Arizona State was the first time the Rebels had beaten a ranked opponent since 2003.

The 2009 season was a disappointment and it led to Sanford's dismissal as coach. UNLV was picked to finish fifth in the conference, but the team began to fall apart after a surprising loss at Wyoming. That was followed by losses at Nevada, against Brigham Young and Utah, and at Texas Christian and the Air Force Academy — games in which UNLV was outscored 243–81. They rebounded toward the end of the season and finished 5–7.

After the Air Force loss on November 14, the school announced Sanford's last game as coach would be the season finale against San Diego State. FormerMontanahead coach Bobby Hauck was named as the 10th head coach on December 21, 2009. FormerTCU,AlabamaandTexas A&Mhead coachDennis Franchionewas also interviewed for the position.

Before the 2014Nevada Wolf Packgame, Bobby Hauck announced that he would be stepping down following the conclusion of the 2014 season. On December 10, 2014, the school announced thatTony SanchezofBishop Gorman High Schoolwould succeed Hauck as the 11th head coach of UNLV.

Sanchez announced his completed staff at UNLV on December 22, 2014, which would feature staff members from Nebraska, Colorado, Oregon State, USC, Houston, Georgia State and Bishop Gorman.

In 2016, anew domed stadiumwas proposed and approved for Las Vegas that would be the home to theLas Vegas Raidersof theNational Football League(NFL) afterthe team relocated to Las Vegas from Oaklandand the Rebels accomplishing UNLV's goal of replacing Sam Boyd Stadium.UNLV had been trying to get Sam Boyd Stadium replaced with a new facility since 2011 but had not found the funding to do so.

On September 2, 2017, the UNLV Rebels lost to theHoward University Bison40–43 inSam Boyd Stadium.Howard, aMEACFCSopponent, was coached byMike London,and led at quarterback by freshman Caylin Newton, younger brother ofNFLstarCam Newton.As of September 2017, due to high off-shore point spread numbers, Howard's victory against UNLV is the biggest point spread upset in college football history.

On November 23, 2019, the UNLV Rebels defeated theSan Jose State Spartansin their final home game at Sam Boyd Stadium, 38–35, in front of 17,373 fans in attendance.

On November 25, 2019,Tony Sanchezand UNLV agreed to part ways, taking effect after the team's final regular season game.He was replaced byOregonoffensive coordinatorMarcus Arroyowho was announced as the new head coach of the Rebel football program on December 11, 2019.

On October 31, 2020, the Rebels opened their new home,Allegiant Stadium,against Nevada, losing 37–19.

Conference affiliations

• NCAA College Divisionindependent (1968–1972)
• NCAA Division II independent(1973–1977)
• NCAA Division I-A independent(1978–1981)
• Big West Conference(1982–1995)
  • Pacific Coast Athletic Association (1982–1987)
  • Big West Conference (1988–1995)
• Western Athletic Conference(1996–1998)
• Mountain West Conference(1999–present)

Conference championships

UNLV has won 2 Conference Championships. In 2023, the Rebels earned a share of the Mountain West regular season title along with San Jose State and Boise State.All three teams finished 6–2 in conference play, but the Spartans were left out of the MWC title game after a computer tiebreaker placed UNLV and Boise State higher in the rankings. UNLV played in their 3rd conference championship game and hosted their 1st everMountain West Conference Championship gameon December 2, 2023, against theBoise State Broncosin 65,000 seatAllegiant StadiuminParadise, Nevada.Their 1984Big West Conferencetitle was forfeited due to using ineligible players. They finished the 1984 11–2 and with a 5–2 conference record prior to the forfeits.

Year	Conference	Coach	Overall Record	Conference Record
*1984	Pacific Coast Athletic Conference	Harvey Hyde	*11-2	*5-2
1994	Big West Conference	Jeff Horton	7–5	5–1
2023††	Mountain West Conference	Barry Odom	9–3	6–2

• Forfeited due to ineligible players

†† Regular Season Co-champion

Bowl games

UNLV has played in five officially sanctioned bowl games, with four of them being in Division I (FBS) and one being in Division II. The Rebels have an official bowl record of 2–4.

Date	Bowl	Opponent	Result
December 7, 1974	Grantland Rice Bowl	Delaware	L 11–49
December 15, 1984	California Bowl	Toledo	W30–13†
December 15, 1994	Las Vegas Bowl	Central Michigan	W52–24
December 21, 2000	Las Vegas Bowl	Arkansas	W31–14
January 1, 2014	Heart of Dallas Bowl	North Texas	L 14–36
December 26, 2023	Guaranteed Rate Bowl	Kansas	L 36–49

† UNLV forfeited the original 30–13 win due to NCAA sanctions on ineligible players.

UNLV traveled toYokohama, Japan,and played in front of 27,500 spectators atYokohama Stadiumin the 1978 Nikkan Yokohama Bowl on December 2, 1978, against theBYU Cougarsin a game that is not offially recognized as an NCAA bowl game.

Playoff appearances

NCAA Division II

The Rebels made two appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs. They had a combined record of 1–2.

Year	Round	Opponent	Result
1974	Quarterfinals Semifinals	Alcorn State Delaware	W, 35–22 L, 11–49
1976	Quarterfinals	Akron	L, 6–27

Head coaches

UNLV has had 13 head coaches in 50 years of college football.4 of them (Harvey Hyde,Jeff Horton,John Robinson,andBarry Odomhave won Conference Coach of the Year awards.

Coach	Seasons	Record	Pct.	Bowl Record	Playoff Record
Bill Ireland	1968–1972	26–23–1	.530
Ron Meyer	1973–1975	27–8–0	.771		1-1
Tony Knap	1976–1981	47–20–2	.696		0–1
Harvey Hyde	1982–1985	8–19–1	.304	0–0
Wayne Nunnely	1986–1989	19–25–0	.432
Jim Strong	1990–1993	17–27–0	.386
Jeff Horton	1994–1998	13–44–0	.228	1–0
John Robinson	1999–2004	28–42	.400	1–0
Mike Sanford	2005–2009	16–43	.271
Bobby Hauck	2010–2014	15–49	.234	0–1
Tony Sanchez	2015–2019	20–40	.333
Marcus Arroyo	2020–2022	7–23	.233
Barry Odom	2023–present	9–5	.643	0–1

Rivalries

Nevada

The Battle for Nevada

Main article:Fremont Cannon

Nevadaleads the series 28–21 as of the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Hawai'i

Ninth Island Showdown

Beginning in 2017, the annual game betweenUNLVandHawai'i,'Ninth Island Showdown'or, 'The Battle for the Golden Pineapple'gained a rivalry trophy when theCalifornia Hotel and Casinodonated the "Golden Pineapple" to the winner of the game.Las Vegas, Nevada,has long been a popular destination for Hawaiians for both pleasure and relocation, so much so that it has been dubbed "the Ninth Island", with theCal Hotelin particular aggressively marketing itself to Hawaiian tourists. Hawai'i is one of UNLV's two protectedMountain West Conferencerivalries (along with Nevada) when the conference shifts to one division in 2023, meaning they will play every year. The'Bowslead the all-time series between the two schools 19–14 as of 2023.

San Jose State

The Friendly Rivalry

San Jose Stateleads the series 20-7-1 as of conclusion of the 2023 season.The rivalry stems back to the days when both theSan Jose State Spartansand theUNLV Rebelsathletics programs were both in theBig West Conference,in the 1980s. In the mid-1990's theSpartansandRebelswere both a part of WAC,Western Athletic Conference,and are division rivals in theMountain Westtoday. Recently dubbed 'A Friendly Rivalry' by some media in 2022 for the close friendly relationship ex-Rebels Head CoachMarcus Arroyoand Spartans Head CoachBrent Brennanhave.

Retired numbers

See also:List of NCAA football retired numbers

No.	Player	Pos.	Career	Year Ret.	Ref.
12	Randall Cunningham	QB/Punter	1981–1984	1984

College Football Hall of Fame

Name	Years	Position	Inducted	Ref
John Robinson	1999-2004	Head Coach	2009
Randall Cunningham	1982-1984	Punter/QB	2016

John Robinsonis mostly known for his 6Rose Bowlvictories and 4 National Championships while atUSC.In 1999 Robinson was hired to coach football at theUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas.After a 2–0 start in1999,the second win coming atBaylor,Robinson's first UNLV team finished only 3–8. The Rebels rebounded to win eight games in2000,including a 31–14 victory overArkansasin theLas Vegas Bowl,Robinson's only bowl appearance with the Running Rebels. In2002,Robinson was chosen as the university'sathletic director,but he stepped down from that position a year later to concentrate on the coaching position. In 2003, he was inducted into theRose Bowl Hall of Fame.

Randall Cunninghamwas a1983and1984 College Football All-America Teamselection as apunter.In 1984, his senior year, he led the Rebels to an 11–2 season—still the school's only 10-win season ever—however this was adjusted to 0–13 when it was found out several players were ineligible.

National and Conference Awards

Pacific Coast Athletic Association

Award	Name	Year	Position	Ref
Coach of the Year	Harvey Hyde	1984	Coach
Offensive Player of the Year	Randall Cunningham	1983	Punter/QB
Offensive Player of the Year	Randall Cunningham	1984	Punter/QB
Offensive Player of the Year	Ickey Woods	1987	RB
Co-Defenesive Player of the Year	Aaron Moog	1984	DE

Big West Conference

Award	Name	Year	Position	Ref
Co-Coach of the Year	Jeff Horton	1994	Coach

Western Athletic Conference

Award	Name	Year	Position	Ref
Freshman of the Year	Jon Denton	1996	QB
Freshman of the Year	James Sunia	1998	MLB

Mountain West Conference

Award	Name	Year	Position	Ref
Co-Coach of the Year	John Robinson	2000	Coach
Coach of the Year	Barry Odom	2023	Coach
Freshman of the Year	Dominique Dorsey	2001	RB
Freshman of the Year	Ryan Wolfe	2006	WR
Freshman of the Year	Devonte Boyd	2014	WR
Freshman of the Year	Armani Rogers	2017	QB
Freshman of the Year	Kyle Williams	2020	WR
Freshman of the Year	Cameron Friel	2021	QB
Freshman of the Year	Jayden Maiava	2023	QB
Defensive Player of the Year	Kevin Thomas	2001	CB
Defensive Player of the Year	Jamaal Brimmer	2002	S
Defensive Player of the Year	Jamaal Brimmer	2003	S
Defensive Player of the Year	Beau Bell	2007	LB
Special Teams Player of the Year	Jose Pizano	2023	K

Mountain West Conference 25th Anniversary Team

Name	Years	Position	Ref
Ryan Wolfe	2006-2010	WR
Kevin Thomas	1999-2002	CB
Jamaal Brimmer	2001-2004	S

All-Americans

UNLV has had 2- Consensus 1st TeamAll-American,7- 1st Team, 9- 2nd Team, 3- 3rd Team, 1- 4th Team, 3- Honorable Mention, 1- Academic All-American and 5- Freshman All-American, in program history as of the end of the 2022 season.

Name	Year	Position	Team	Ref
Mike Thomas	1973	RB	1st
Mike Thomas	1974	RB	1st
Joe Ingersoll	1974	DL	1st
Joe Ingersoll	1975	DL	2nd
Jim Sandusky	1981	WR	AP 2nd
Randall Cunningham	1983	Punter	1st
Randall Cunningham	1984	Punter	2nd
Randall Cunningham	1984	QB	Honorable Mention
Joe Kristosik	1998	Punter	Consensus 1st
Brian Parvin	1992	Punter	2nd
Brad Faunce	1993	Punter	2nd/3rd
James Sunia	1998	MLB	Freshman 1st
Ray Cheetany	2000	Punter	1st
Kevin Thomas	2000	CB	2nd
Kevin Thomas	2001	CB	3rd/ 4th
Jamaal Brimmer	2003	S	1st
Jamaal Brimmer	2004	S	2nd/ 3rd
Ryan Wolfe	2006	WR	Freshman 2nd
Matt Murphy	2007	OL	Freshman 2nd
Devonte Boyd	2014	WR	Freshman 1st
Kyle Williams	2020	WR	Freshman 1st
Charles Williams	2021	RB	2nd Academic
Rex Goossen	2022	LS	2nd
Austin Ajiake	2022	LB	Honorable Mention
Daniel Gutierrez	2022	K	Honorable Mention

Individual school records

Main article:UNLV Rebels football statistical leaders

Source:

Rushing records

• Most rushing attempts, career: 519,Dominique Dorsey(2001–04)
• Most rushing attempts, season: 274,Mike Thomas(1973)
• Shortest route to 100 yards, 4 attemptsShaquille Murray-Lawrence(August 29, 2013) vs.Minnesota Gophers
• Most rushing attempts, game: 36,Tim Cornett(November 21, 2013) vs.Air Force
• Most rushing yards, career: 3,700, Tim Cornett (2010–13)
• Most rushing yards, season: 1,741, Mike Thomas (1973)
• Most rushing yards, game: 440, Tim Cornett (November 21, 2013) vs. Air Force
• Most rushing touchdowns, career: 37, Mike Thomas (1973–74)
• Most rushing touchdowns, season: 20, Mike Thomas (1973)
• Most rushing touchdowns, game: 8, Tim Cornett (November 21, 2013) vs. Air Force
• Longest run from scrimmage: 89 yards (81 m), Darin Brightmon (September 23, 1989, vs.New Mexico State)
• Most games with at least 100 rushing yards, career: >17, Lexington Thomas (2015–2018)
• Most games with at least 100 rushing yards, season: 9, Ickey Woods (1987) and Mike Thomas (1973)
• Most games with at least 100 rushing yards, season: 6, Kyle "Boomer" Toomer (1989)
• Most games with at least 200 rushing yards, career: 5, Mike Thomas (1973–74)
• Most games with at least 200 rushing yards, season: 3, Ickey Woods (1987) and Mike Thomas (1973)

Passing records

• Most passing attempts, career: 1,029,Randall Cunningham(1982–84)
• Most passing attempts, season: 506, Jon Denton (1996)
• Most passing attempts, game: 61, Jon Denton (November 23, 1996, atSan Jose State)
• Most passing completions, career: 596, Randall Cunningham (1982–84)
• Most passing completions, season: 277, Jon Denton (1996)
• Most passing completions, game: 33, Jon Denton (November 23, 1996, at San José State)
• Most passing yards, career: 8,020, Randall Cunningham (1982–84)
• Most passing yards, season: 3,778, Sam King (1981)
• Most passing yards, game: 503, Jon Denton (November 16, 1996, vs.San Diego State)
• Most passing touchdowns, career: 59, Randall Cunningham (1982–84)
• Most passing touchdowns, season: 25, Jon Denton (1996)
• Most passing touchdowns, game: 5, 3 times, most recently byShane Steichen(October 14, 2006, vsNew Mexico)(also aMountain West Conferencerecord)
• Longest pass completion: 94 yards (86 m), Armani Rogers to Devonte Boyd (September 9, 2017, vs.Idaho)
• Most games with at least 200 passing yards, career: 24, Randall Cunningham (1982–84)
• Most games with at least 200 passing yards, season: 11, Sam King (1981)
• Most games with at least 300 passing yards, career: 9, Jon Denton (1996–97)
• Most games with at least 300 passing yards, season: 6, Sam King (1981)

Receiving records

• Most receptions, career: 187, Damon Williams (1995–98)
• Most receptions, season: 88,Ricky White III(2023) andRandy Gatewood(1994)
• Most receptions, game: 23, Randy Gatewood (September 17, 1994, vs.Idaho)(also anNCAArecord)
• Most receiving yards, career: 2,604, Earvin Johnson (2001–04
• Most receiving yards, season: 1,483, Ricky White III (2023)
• Most receiving yards, game: 363, Randy Gatewood (September 17, 1994, vs. Idaho)
• Most touchdown receptions, career: 24, Henry Bailey (1991–94)
• Most touchdown receptions, season: 11, Sam Greene (1980)
• Most touchdown receptions, game: 4, Henry Bailey (September 17, 1994, vs. Idaho) and Nathaniel Hawkins (October 30, 1971, vs.New Mexico Highlands)
• Most games with at least 100 receiving yards, career: 8, 4 players, most recently by Earvin Johnson (2001–04)
• Most games with at least 100 receiving yards, season: 8, Jim Sandusky (1981)

Rebels in the pros

• Isaako Aaitui–Nose tackle
• Waymon Alridge–Canadian Football Leagueplayer
• Shaquille Murray-Lawrence-Canadian Football League
• Johan Asiata–Offensive lineman
• Glenn Carano–Quarterback
• Hunkie Cooper–Wide receiver/defensive back,anArena Football League Hall of Famer.
• Randall Cunningham–Quarterback
• Randy Gatewood–Wide receiver
• Joe Hawley–Center
• Rocky Hinds–Quarterback
• Robert Jackson– cornerback Cleveland Browns
• Carlton Johnson– Arena Football League player
• Suge Knight–Defensive end,better known as co-founder andCEOofDeath Row Records
• Admiral Dewey Larry– USFL and CFL player
• George J. Maloof, Jr.–cornerback,better known as a casino mogul
• Kenny Mayne–Quarterback,better known as anESPNSportsCenteranchor
• Rodney Mazion– American football and baseball player
• Keenan McCardell–Wide receiver
• Torry McTyer– cornerback Cincinnati Bengals
• Adam Seward–Linebacker
• Bob Stockham– Arena Football League player
• Frank Summers–Fullback
• Doc Wise– Arena Football League player
• Ickey Woods–Running back
• Eric Wright–Cornerback

Future non-conference opponents

Announced schedules as of August 11, 2024.

2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030	2031	2032
atHouston	atSam Houston	atNorth Texas	atUSC	Houston	atUTEP	UTEP	atUCLA	Miami (OH)
Utah Tech(FCS)	UCLA	atAkron	Akron	atWashington	Sam Houston	atIowa State
atKansas	Idaho State(FCS)	atCalifornia	Arizona State
Syracuse	atMiami (OH)		UTSA
atOregon State

External links

• Official website