Block party: Blocked punts help UNLV beat Wyoming for 5-0 start to season

Kayden McGee blocks a punt for the UNLV football team in a 31-17 win over host Wyoming on Oct. 4, 2025. Photo by: UNLV Athletics

The UNLV football team is 5-0 for the first time since 1974.

The Rebels twice scored on blocked punts in a 31-17 victory over host Wyoming, battling snowy conditions in Laramie to win their Mountain West opener.

UNLV’s defense was the difference, especially in the first half as the Rebels scored 24 unanswered points for a 24-3 halftime lead.

The Rebels in the first half had six pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and most importantly, a pair of touchdowns on blocked punts.

Jaden Bradley blocked one of the punts, and Kayden McGee raced 16 yards for a touchdown and a 14-3 lead midway through the first quarter. In the second quarter, it was McGee who blocked the punt and Bradley who scored the touchdown.

It was UNLV's first win in Wyoming since 2003.

“Our special teams were huge tonight and the conditions were tough," coach Dan Mullen said. "You have to win with offense, defense, and special teams and our special teams certainly won us the game. I thought defensively we played well. Offensively, when we needed some good drives we delivered, but we had some inconsistency and mistakes, we’ll take being 5-0.”

UNLV’s only produced 256 yards — but, then again, the game was played in cold temperatures with snow on the field.

Jai’Den Thomas led the UNLV offense with 94 rushing yards on 16 carries. He scored on an 8-yard pass from Anthony Colandrea in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

The Rebels return to Allegiant Stadium at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 12 to host Air Force.