UNLV football falls to New Mexico for second straight defeat

UNLV Rebels running back Jai'Den Thomas (9) breaks a tackle attempt by New Mexico Lobos defensive end Darren Agu (10) during the first half of an NCAA football game at Allegiant Stadium Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Photo by: Steve Marcus

The UNLV football team forced New Mexico into a third down on the opening drive of the second half Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.

It was a critical moment for the Rebels, who had surrendered 31 points in the first half and trailed by 10.

Instead of forcing a punt, New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne found a wide-open Cade Keith underneath. Keith turned the completion into a 45-yard gain, racing deep into UNLV territory.

The play epitomized the Rebels’ defensive struggles in a 40-35 defeat.

UNLV hadn’t allowed a touchdown of more than 80 yards since 2018, yet surrendered two in the first half alone — extending defensive issues that have plagued them all season.

This was coming off a bye week.

Two weeks earlier, the Rebels gave up 558 yards and 56 points in a loss to Boise State. Three weeks ago, they survived against Air Force despite allowing more than 400 rushing yards and nearly 50 points.

In the last three games they’ve surrendered 144 points and 1,693 yards.

And, yet, the Rebels had a chance on Saturday.

Anthony Colandrea completed 36 of 46 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns, including a 14-yard scoring strike to Nick Elksnis for a 35-34 UNLV advantage with 6:35 to play.

But the UNLV defense — which had only given up three points in the second half — couldn’t hold its end of the bargain.

New Mexico drove 75 yards on eight plays for the winning points. The Rebels had a pair of possessions in the final 2:45, but both resulted in a turnover on downs.

UNLV lost for the second straight week in falling to 6-2 on the season. The Rebels play at Colorado State Nov. 8.