UNLV football wins another close game, improves to 4-0

UNLV Rebels head coach Dan Mullen calls out to players during warmups before an NCAA football game at Allegiant Stadium between the UNLV Rebels and the UCLA Bruins Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Photo by: Steve Marcus

The UNLV football team has mastered the art of the comeback, and Saturday’s 41-38 triumph at Miami (Ohio) may be the Rebels’ most remarkable rally of the season.

Facing a 14-point second-half deficit, the Rebels roared back with 17 unanswered points to capture their fourth consecutive victory and remain undefeated to start the season.

It was another gritty performance in what’s becoming a signature style — much like their comeback win against Idaho State in the season opener or their nail-biting escape against UCLA two weeks ago.

Style points don’t matter when you’re building something special.

What matters is this: UNLV sits at 4-0, just two wins away from bowl eligibility, with their improbable College Football Playoff dreams still alive.

Ramon Villela’s 23-yard field goal in the final seconds put the finishing touch on the rally.

Quarterback Anthony Colandrea helped lead the comeback, completing 29 of 43 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns. The junior transfer from Virginia — fresh off back-to-back Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week honors — battled through adversity all afternoon.

His struggles included a costly interception returned for a touchdown that gave Miami a 38-24 lead late in the third quarter. It was the last points Miami would score.

Jai’Den Thomas was again masterful in running the ball for UNLV, picking up 119 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown. Keyvone Lee also had a rushing touchdown for UNLV as part of the comeback.

UNLV’s defense was equally important to the rally, including a forced fumble by Jaheem Joseph in the fourth quarter with the score tied at 38. The turnover led to UNLV’s winning points.

Earlier in the game, Aamaris Brown — the South Florida transfer — had his fourth interception of the season, returning it 33 yards for a touchdown.

UNLV opens Mountain West play Oct. 4 at Wyoming.