Depth is the secret weapon behind UNLV football's unstoppable start this season. The Rebels have not only kicked off the year with a flawless 5-0 record, but they have also demonstrated a remarkable ability to rely on a deep roster where multiple players step up week after week. But here's where it gets interesting: depth isn’t just a luxury for UNLV—it's actively shaping their recruiting pitch and fundamentally altering how their team operates.
UNLV’s depth allows coaches to rotate players comfortably instead of leaning heavily on starters, which is often a challenge for many college programs. Head coach Dan Mullen explained the benefits clearly. “I'm really pleased with our depth,” he said. “Sometimes coaches find it difficult to bench starters for backups, but that’s exactly how we practice and develop our players. This approach creates numerous chances for athletes to showcase their skills, stay fresh, and, injury-wise, we hope it keeps everyone healthy throughout the long season.”
The value of this depth truly showed during their recent 31-17 victory over Wyoming, a game played under challenging snowy conditions. Freshman wide receiver Kayden McGee emerged as a standout, blocking a punt and recovering another for a touchdown—efforts that earned him both the Mountain West freshman of the week and special teams player of the week honors. Beyond McGee’s heroic plays, his relentless hustle downfield, recovering punts down to the 7- and 2-yard lines, demonstrated the tactical execution behind UNLV’s special teams.
Coach Mullen emphasized that success on the field isn’t just about one player making flashy plays but about everyone executing their individual roles perfectly. “If you’re in the right spot and doing your job, sometimes that’s the play that wins the game,” he remarked. Special teams contributed heavily to the Rebels’ win in a game where not a single player appeared out of breath despite the high altitude, highlighting the team’s conditioning and buy-in to the rotation system. “Our guys know they’re competing for playing time every practice. As the season wears on, having quality depth becomes a major advantage.”
Depth hasn’t only benefited special teams but also the running game. Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas is one of the top running backs in the Mountain West, boasting an impressive 8.02 yards per carry average—ranking ninth nationally among players with a minimum of four rushes per game—while receiving only around 12 carries each outing. This workload balance reflects the depth of UNLV’s running back corps, one of the strongest in the school’s history. Senior Keyvone Lee and junior Jaylon Glover are also seeing valuable snaps, allowing the offense to remain versatile.
Coach Mullen praised this rotation, noting, “You see Thomas stay fresh during games because we have a great group rotating. Each back brings something different, which expands our playbook offensively. Thomas is a major playmaker, and preserving his health both now and down the road is absolutely crucial.”
Thomas himself shared his perspective: “It’s about keeping my body in prime condition and being ready every game. I focus on what I can control and appreciate every opportunity to contribute. We expected to be 5-0, and while I feel great about our progress, complacency is not an option.”
Then there’s the electrifying quarterback, Anthony Colandrea. The comparison between Colandrea and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel has been a hot topic—not just among fans but also respected by coaches. Mullen, who faced Manziel when coaching at Mississippi State, admits the resemblance on the field is striking. “I hate to compare players, but when you watch Colandrea, you see that same ability to extend plays, change arm angles, and evade defenders both in and outside the pocket. He’s going to give his all every time he’s on the field.”
The coach even joked that while their playing styles are similar, these two would probably clash off the field as well, hinting at the strong personalities behind their talent.
This rising depth and dynamic playmaking have propelled UNLV to its best start in recent memory—but is this sustainable for the entire season? And how does this focus on a deep rotation challenge traditional football strategies that rely mainly on a set of starters? Do you think heightening depth at the college level should become the new norm, or does it risk diluting elite performance? Sound off in the comments below—do you agree that depth is the future, or do you have a different take on how college football should be played?
