UNLV wide receiver Kayden McGee has scored in a variety of ways during his time with the program, whether catching a deep touchdown pass, returning a blocked punt for a score or running for a game-winning touchdown in overtime. Now a redshirt sophomore, McGee is working to become more than an explosive playmaker as he takes on a larger role in a young Rebels receiving corps.
McGee committed to UNLV in 2023 and joined the program in 2024, staying with the Rebels through the departure of former coach Barry Odom and the arrival of Dan Mullen. In six games this season, McGee has recorded 16 receptions for 330 yards and four touchdowns, with 13 of those catches resulting in first downs. He has also added 30 rushing yards on seven carries.
Despite missing a game after sustaining an injury against North Texas in Week 2, McGee returned to action in Week 4 and on Saturday caught two touchdowns against Air Force, finishing with a season-high five receptions for 103 yards in UNLV's 41-31 loss to the Falcons. "I love Kayden," Rebels quarterback Jackson Arnold said. "I think he's been playing his butt off, you know, finds a way to get open. He's our deep shot guy, and he's gonna go get behind everybody and get upfield."
Coach Dan Mullen believes the receiver has made significant strides. "I think he's done a great job," Mullen said. "We know he's a big-play guy for us. I do still need him to become a more consistent every-down player and not just an explosive threat, but he's made a lot of big plays for us during the course of the season and stepped up to go and do that. That's how you become an even better player, and he's still working and getting there."
McGee's role has grown after spending his first two seasons learning from older players in the program. With a younger group of receivers, he has begun embracing the responsibility of becoming a leader. "I had to step into a bigger role, after being the young guy for the past two years with older guys ahead of me," McGee said. "Just being in a group with a lot of younger guys, I'm just trying to be that leader and leading them, because that's what I like to do." McGee credited former UNLV receivers Ricky White, Jacob De Jesus and Jaden Bradley with helping shape his development.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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