While Barry Odom’s Missouri tenure didn’t go quite how he dreamed, he fielded decent teams with the Tigers. In one year at UNLV, Odom proved his mettle as a head coach.
The Rebels went 9-5 last year, showcasing an explosive offense. They made a bowl game for the first time since 2013, and the program enters 2024 with enough talent to make a serious run at the Mountain West crown.
If UNLV reaches its potential early in the season, the Rebels have a chance to contend for the Group of Five’s playoff spot. With two FCS stars (Holy Cross’ Matthew Sluka and Campbell’s Hajj-Malik Williams) scrapping for the starting quarterback gig, there’s reason to believe the offense will hum again in 2024.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see both quarterbacks play. They’re that good.
And the team returns wide receiver Ricky White. He’s not just one of the best receivers in the Group of Five, as he’s a Preseason Group of Five All-American, but also the entire nation. He went off for 1,483 receiving yards last season.
Defensively, the Rebels could use a better season. Kansas threw for 449 yards in UNLV’s bowl loss last year. Fortunately, Odom used the transfer portal to add Power Four talent in the secondary. The group should be better.
UNLV Football’s Mountain West Title Odds
UNLV’s odds to win the Mountain West are +650, via BetMGM.
UNLV Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
UNLV’s win total Over/Under is 7.5, with Over 7.5 at +125 and Under 7.5 at -150.
UNLV Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 at Houston
9/7 vs. Utah Tech
9/14 at Kansas
9/28 vs. Fresno State
10/5 vs. Syracuse
10/12 at Utah State
10/19 at Oregon State
10/26 vs. Boise State
11/9 at Hawaii
11/16 vs. San Diego State
11/23 at San Jose State
11/30 vs. Nevada
Bold indicates Mountain West contests
Key UNLV Football Returners
2023 Mountain West 1st Team
WR Ricky White
OL Tiger Shanks
KR/PR Jacob De Jesus
LB Jackson Woodard
2023 Mountain West 2nd Team
DL Jalen Dixon
DB Cameron Oliver
2023 Mountain West Honorable Mention
LB Marsel McDuffie
P Marshall Nichols
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Can UNLV’s Defense Meet The Challenge?
It’s hard to imagine UNLV’s offense struggling in 2024.
The two FCS quarterbacks are elite athletes – Sluka ran for 1,200 yards and nine scores last season and Williams has 24 career rushing touchdowns – and the list of offensive playmakers is absurd. White headlines the pass-catching group, which includes Jacob De Jesus and standout tight end Kaleo Ballungay.
Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion is also back, giving the offense continuity from last year’s stellar performance.
If the defense improves – it allowed at least 30 points in all five of the team’s losses – there’s reason to believe UNLV can win the Mountain West and potentially push for a College Football Playoff berth.
Keep an eye on Jalen Catalon as a potential spark plug in the team’s secondary. The former Arkansas and Texas safety recorded 99 tackles and three interceptions for the Razorbacks in 2020. He’s struggled to stay on the field the last few years, but he’s an All-SEC caliber player when healthy.
Catalon could lead an improved secondary in 2024, which would make UNLV a scary challenge for every Mountain West program.
2024 UNLV Football Season Prediction
I love taking a shot on UNLV to win the Mountain West. The Rebels play Boise State and Fresno State at home, and the team’s quarterback depth is the best in the conference.
The offense should click again this fall, and the defense has enough pieces to make a gradual improvement from last year’s numbers. UNLV is dangerous at just about every position, and the offense’s depth chart resembles a Power Four team rather than a typical Mountain West program.
I love UNLV to win its last four games of the season, meaning any late-season slipups against Fresno State or Boise State give the Rebels a chance to surge up the conference standings.
While games with Houston, Kansas, Syracuse, and Oregon State make the prospect of eight or more regular season wins a challenge, the Rebels could legitimately push for a College Football Playoff spot if they only drop one or two games. The team’s collection of notable wins – if the Rebels reach 10 wins – will be among the most in the Group of Five.
Count me in on this UNLV team.
