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The UNLV Rebels will play their first road game of the 2025 season on Friday, August 29, when they travel to Huntsville, Texas, to face the Sam Houston Bearkats at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. After escaping with a narrow win in their opener, the Rebels will be aiming for a sharper performance, while Sam Houston looks to defend its home field against a Mountain West visitor.
Game Information
Matchup: UNLV Rebels vs. Sam Houston Bearkats
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, Texas
TV Broadcast: CBS Sports Network
Live Stream: Watch LIVE with Arenacast (anywhere)
Rebels Seeking Consistency After Close Call
UNLV may be 1–0, but the Rebels didn’t exactly start their season in dominant fashion. Their 38–31 win over Idaho State left head coach Dan Mullen with plenty to correct before facing a tougher challenge in Sam Houston.
The offense showed potential, putting up more than 500 total yards. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea, a transfer from Virginia, was efficient through the air, completing 15 of 21 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown. His calm presence in the pocket provided balance for a run-heavy attack.
Meanwhile, Michigan transfer Alex Orji proved to be a difference-maker. Though he attempted only three passes, he added 34 rushing yards and the game-winning touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. Mullen has hinted that both quarterbacks will continue to play meaningful snaps, giving the Rebels a two-headed option that defenses must respect.
The star of Week 1 was undoubtedly running back Jai’Den Thomas, who needed only 10 carries to rack up 147 yards and three touchdowns. His explosive runs turned small openings into highlight-reel plays. Mullen credited Thomas’s long scores to teamwork, emphasizing that “11 guys doing their jobs” creates opportunities, while mistakes by just one player often snowball into costly errors.
Still, the offense wasn’t the issue against Idaho State—it was the defense. The Rebels allowed 555 total yards, something Mullen and his players know must be addressed quickly. Senior linebacker Marsel McDuffie admitted, “That performance we put on film last Saturday was not who we are, not who we want to be.” Expect an emphasis on urgency and discipline from the defense this week.
Bearkats Confident at Home
Sam Houston comes into this matchup with momentum of its own. After finishing 10–4 in 2024 and winning a bowl game, the Bearkats have won 13 of their last 18 games and are looking to prove they belong against higher-profile opponents.
The offense is centered around quarterback Hunter Watson, who combines passing accuracy with mobility. In their opener, Watson threw for 209 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 91 yards, including a 55-yard breakaway run that electrified the home crowd. His ability to extend plays makes him a constant threat.
Supporting him is running back Alton McCaskill, who showcased his speed with a 52-yard touchdown run last week. Together, Watson and McCaskill provide a formidable one-two punch that will test UNLV’s struggling defense.
The Bearkats also enter the game with confidence in their home environment. Elliott T. Bowers Stadium has been a tough venue for visiting teams, and with a nationally televised game on CBS Sports Network, the home fans will be eager to make their presence felt.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. UNLV Quarterbacks vs. Sam Houston Secondary
How Mullen splits time between Colandrea and Orji could determine the offensive rhythm. Colandrea gives the Rebels a steady passing attack, while Orji’s mobility stresses defenses in a different way. Sam Houston’s secondary allowed over 400 passing yards to Western Kentucky last season, so the Rebels may look to exploit mismatches downfield.
2. Jai’Den Thomas vs. Bearkats Front Seven
Thomas was electric in Week 1, but Sam Houston’s defense is more disciplined than Idaho State’s. If Thomas can consistently break into the second level, UNLV will control the tempo.
3. Hunter Watson’s Dual-Threat Ability
Watson’s combination of passing and rushing is the X-factor. If the Rebels’ linebackers can’t contain him, Sam Houston could dictate the pace and keep the UNLV defense on the field for long stretches.
What’s at Stake
For UNLV: A chance to build early-season momentum under Dan Mullen and prove that the Idaho State scare was a wake-up call, not a red flag. The Rebels were picked as a middle-of-the-pack Mountain West team, but a road win here could boost confidence before conference play.
For Sam Houston: An opportunity to show that their 2024 success wasn’t a fluke. Beating an FBS opponent from a larger conference would reinforce their standing as a rising program.
Sam Houston vs UNLV Prediction
This game features two teams with something to prove. UNLV has the superior roster on paper, with explosive playmakers like Thomas and a creative two-quarterback approach. But Sam Houston’s track record at home and Watson’s ability to improvise will keep things tight.
Expect a high-scoring battle with momentum swings. If UNLV’s defense makes the necessary adjustments, the Rebels should have enough firepower to escape Huntsville with another win.
Projected Score: UNLV 34, Sam Houston 28
How to watch Sam Houston Football vs UNLV
Fans can tune in to the action live:
TV Broadcast: CBS Sports Network
Streaming: Available via Fubo (regional restrictions apply)
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. local time
Friday night’s showdown between UNLV and Sam Houston offers intrigue on both sides. For the Rebels, it’s about sharpening execution and proving they can win convincingly on the road. For the Bearkats, it’s about defending home turf and continuing their program’s climb. Either way, fans are in for a compelling matchup under the Texas lights.