UNLV beats UCLA 30-23 for first Big Ten win in 22 years

UNLV running back Keyvone Lee (2) scores a touchdown past UCLA linebacker Isaiah Chisom (32) during the first half of an NCAA football game at Allegiant Stadium Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Photo by: Steve Marcus

Anthony Colandrea passed for 203 yards and three touchdowns as UNLV held off a UCLA rally to win 30-23 on Saturday night for the Rebels' first victory over a Big Ten Conference opponent in 22 years.

The Rebels (3-0) last beat a Big Ten team when they won 23-5 at No. 14 Wisconsin on Sept. 13, 2003.

Colandrea was sharp in completing 15 of 21 passes, and he also rushed for 59 yards. He connected on touchdown passes with Nick Elksnis and Troy Omeire, and Keyvone Lee rushed for a 19-yard touchdown to help UNLV open the game with 23 unanswered points.

“This is so huge for our program,” Colandrea told CBS Sports after the game. "We have been thinking about this game since January.”

Nico Iamaleava was 29 of 41 for 255 yards passing with a touchdown and interception for UCLA (0-2).

UNLV built a 23-0 lead with 1:49 left in the first half. UCLA managed to get on the scoreboard just before the break with a short field goal, but the Bruins were still outgained 250 yards to 110.

But that late scoring drive apparently created a spark, and UCLA had a chance to at least tie by taking possession down a touchdown with 2:17 left. UNLV sealed the victory when linebacker Marsel McDuffie tipped a pass that nickelback Aarmaris Brown intercepted with 52 seconds left.

The win cements UNLV's early case to be the Group of Five representative for the College Football Playoff. They nearly made it last season before losing the Mountain West championship to Boise State.

"It means a lot for our team," Colandrea said of the 3-0 start to the season. "We have worked our butts off. Everyone has bought in."

UNLV has two weeks off before closing its nonconference schedule Sept. 20 at Miami (Ohio).