Jet set: UNLV star Thomas happy to return and ready to star for new coach

UNLV Rebels running back Jai'Den Thomas (9) tries to fend of a tackle by UNR Wolf Pack defensive back Chad Brown (24) during the first half of an NCAA football game at Allegiant Stadium Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Photo by Steve Marcus

During a December practice during the lead-up to the LA Bowl, the UNLV offense ran a play that tasked running back Jai’Den Thomas with going out for a pass. Thomas, then a sophomore, ran a “wheel route,” which takes the back up the sideline for a deep ball after an initial horizontal feint.

After the play, Thomas returned to the huddle and was surprised to find new head coach Dan Mullen keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings.

Mullen had been hired just a few days earlier, and though he was giving interim head coach Del Alexander space to run the practices, Mullen just couldn’t help but offer some insight.

Thomas was all ears.

“I ran a wheel route, and he coached me up on it,” Thomas said. “When to turn my head, how to fake the defender. That was fuel to the excitement that I got, just knowing I have this great offensive-minded coach that’s going to help me excel to the highest level.”

The Scarlet and Gray went on to beat Cal to secure the program’s first bowl triumph in 24 years, with Thomas rushing for a team-high 72 yards in the victory. Two days later, Thomas announced that he was staying at UNLV, making him the team’s highest-profile returning player after the coaching change that saw Mullen replace Purdue-bound Barry Odom.

It was a big recommitment for UNLV, which saw a wave of veterans enter the transfer portal after the bowl game. Thomas was a breakout star in 2023, living up to his nickname of "Jet" by running for 503 yards and setting a program record for rushing touchdowns as a freshman (12). In his second year, Thomas upped his production to 918 yards while scoring another seven touchdowns.

Though Thomas was recruited by the previous regime and had much success in the go-go offense, he was intrigued by Mullen’s pitch, which focused on building upon the foundation already in place at UNLV.

Thomas was also tantalized by the opportunity to operate in Mullen’s high-powered offense.

“The excitement is because he’s an offensive-minded guy,” Thomas said. “I previously knew him from his days at Florida and Mississippi State. He’s coached so many great players who are playing in the NFL right now. I want to see how he can help develop me to get to the next level.”

Thomas figures to play a critical role in the implementation of Mullen’s system in 2025. The go-go was a run-heavy attack — UNLV ran the ball on 64.7% of plays, the sixth-highest ratio in the nation — but Mullen’s signature spread offense leans toward the passing game.

Thomas has not yet been utilized as a pass-catcher during his time in Las Vegas. He had seven receptions for 62 yards as a freshman, then caught 11 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown in 2024. At 5-foot-9, 180 pounds and possessing blazing speed, Thomas would certainly make himself more attractive to NFL scouts if he proves to be a weapon in the passing game.

He is determined to make himself fit into Mullen’s spread system.

“I believe I’ll excel,” Thomas said. “I’ll be able to show my versatility, showing that I’m able to line up in the slot, being able to catch out of the backfield, gaining those 10 to 20 yards and touchdowns. Even though it’s a spread, I believe with my running ability and catching ability I’ll be more versatile.”

UNLV has begun strength and conditioning work in advance of spring practice, and Thomas now finds himself as a veteran voice on a team that finished No. 23 in the nation. He is taking that responsibility to heart, asserting himself as a leader and a stabilizer as the Scarlet and Gray undergo a period of change.

The fun will begin when the players hit the field and dive into the new playbook, and with Thomas once again leading the backfield, the Scarlet and Gray have a major weapon ready to hit the ground running.

“Everybody in this locker room has something to prove,” Thomas said. “Whether it’s them coming from another school and not playing as much or the guys coming back, all of us are coming together and we still have stuff to prove. We had a great season but we still finished second. We wanted that championship. I believe this will be a great year.”

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.