UNLV is assuredly in good hands, whoever takes the snaps

While the quarterback competition at UNLV dominates offseason chatter, the bigger picture tells a more compelling story: The Rebels have struck gold at college football’s most crucial position.

The battle between transfers Anthony Colandrea (Virginia) and Alex Orji (Michigan) isn’t just about finding a starter — it’s about having two legitimate weapons who could both contribute meaningfully.

Either quarterback brings the skill set to thrive in UNLV’s system, giving the coaching staff enviable flexibility.

This depth represents UNLV’s best weapon in the Mountain West. Beyond perennial powerhouse Boise State, no conference opponent can match the Rebels’ firepower under center.

“They are coming along nicely,” first-year coach Dan Mullen said. “It’s the first year in the system (for both). ...Most times, you’ll see great success in your third year running the offense, whether you’re in high school, college or the NFL. You know that third year you see a jump of confidence. We are trying to accelerate it with these guys. We’ve got one year to get it right.”

The résumés speak for themselves, and they’re impressive.

Colandrea shattered Virginia freshman program records with 154 completions, 1,958 passing yards and 2,183 yards of total offense in 2023.

Orji offers a contrasting but equally valuable profile.

The former four-star recruit carved out a meaningful role across 20 games during three seasons at Michigan, completing 26 of 48 passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns while contributing 392 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.

At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he’s a dual-threat weapon who can punish defenses whether he’s breaking containment on scrambles, bulldozing through tackles, or delivering strikes downfield.

What sets both apart is they performed against the best competition college football has to offer, including Orji helping Michigan during its national title campaign.

That championship-caliber experience translates perfectly to UNLV’s goal of winning the Mountain West and squeezing into the 12-team playoff.

Mullen said Orji brings the attitude and toughness. And “being around that championship culture is huge.”

As for Colandrea, “you watch him, he’s like the Energizer bunny. He’s bringing everybody’s energy up at all times.”

While Mullen remains tight-lipped about who holds the advantage, the competition itself tells a compelling story.

Colandrea and Orji have developed a genuine friendship, with both players emphasizing Tuesday how they’re actively helping each other improve. Their lockers sit side by side, and they’ve been collaborative partners in mastering the playbook.

The reality is simple: Both quarterbacks will see meaningful action this season. After all, few teams make it through an entire campaign relying on a single quarterback.

“We are all really good friends in the quarterback room, and we’re all bonding and having a good time with each other,” Colandrea said.

Mullen brings notable experience managing a two-quarterback system. As offensive coordinator at Florida in 2006, he balanced starter Chris Leak and backup Tim Tebow during their championship run — a testament to his ability to maximize multiple talents.

That expertise will prove invaluable as UNLV implements the spread offense, a system Mullen helped pioneer alongside coaching legend Urban Meyer. Meyer’s influence remains strong; he’s even visited the UNLV facility in the offseason.

“They know what it is like to have that winning pedigree,” Orji said.

Orji’s optimism reflects reality: UNLV football, fresh off making program history with back-to-back bowl appearances, is primed for another landmark campaign.

The schedule offers prime opportunities to build a playoff-worthy résumé, with a marquee home matchup against UCLA on Sept. 6 and crucial road tests at Boise State and Colorado State.

The quarterback competition only amplifies that optimism — UNLV boasts two players capable of being genuine difference-makers. Both have thrived in big-time environments and arrived in Las Vegas with championship aspirations, openly discussing their playoff ambitions.

As for who takes the first snap? Mullen isn’t revealing his hand.

When pressed about which quarterback was standing out in practice, Mullen offered a curveball answer, mentioning just one name: Sebastian Circo, a true freshman from Florida.

“When their number is called, they step in and do a good job,” Mullen said of his quarterbacks. “Like Circo came in yesterday and had three reps, but he lit up all three reps.”

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