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If you were sitting in Allegiant Stadium on November 1, 2025, you saw it. You saw the Rebels claw back from a 21-0 deficit only to have their hearts ripped out in the final three minutes. It was messy. It was loud. And honestly? It was exactly what makes the New Mexico vs UNLV rivalry one of the most underrated headaches in the Mountain West.
People tend to overlook this matchup because they focus on the "big" brands. But if you actually follow these teams, you know there’s a specific kind of chaos that happens when the Lobos and Rebels meet. Whether it’s Jack Layne airing it out or Anthony Colandrea trying to play through the flu, these games are never just "another Saturday."
The Game That Changed the 2025 Season
Let's talk about that November football clash. UNLV was rolling. They had a five-game home win streak and eyes on a College Football Playoff bid. Then New Mexico showed up.
The Lobos didn't just win; they embarrassed the Rebel defense early. Jack Layne was surgical, finishing with 342 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Damon Bankston for an 84-yard bomb that felt like a punch to the gut for the Vegas crowd. That 21-0 lead was staggering.
But UNLV has this weird habit of never staying dead. They rallied. Anthony Colandrea, who was visibly struggling with the flu, managed to find his rhythm. By the time Nick Elksnis caught a 14-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, the Rebels were actually ahead 35-34.
The stadium was shaking. You’d have thought the Rebels had it locked. Then, New Mexico drove 75 yards in eight plays. D.J. McKinney punched it in from 13 yards out with three minutes left.
Final score: New Mexico 40, UNLV 35.
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It wasn't just a loss for UNLV; it was a season-killer. It snapped their home streak and basically ended their CFP dreams. For New Mexico under Jason Eck, it was a statement. It showed that the "same old Lobos" narrative was officially dead.
Hardwood Heat: The Pit vs. The Mack
If the football games are dramatic, the basketball matchups are downright toxic in the best way possible.
Take a look at the January 25, 2025, game at the Thomas & Mack Center. It was a 75-73 nail-biter that came down to a missed free throw with 1.3 seconds left. Dedan Thomas Jr. had the game on his shoulders, hit the first, missed the second.
Nelly Junior Joseph grabbed the board, got fouled, and iced it.
That win was huge for New Mexico because it snapped a six-game losing streak they had in Las Vegas. Winning at "The Mack" is notoriously difficult for the Lobos. Conversely, UNLV dreads going to "The Pit" in Albuquerque.
Recent Basketball Trends
- New Mexico's Dominance: The Lobos swept the 2025 season series.
- The Pit Factor: On March 7, 2025, New Mexico dismantled UNLV 81-67 to claim the outright Mountain West Regular Season title.
- Star Power: Donovan Dent has become the ultimate Rebel-killer. He was the first player in conference history to average 20 points and six assists in league play.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
Most casual fans think UNLV should naturally dominate because of the "Vegas" allure. They think New Mexico is just a basketball school.
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That's a mistake.
Under Jason Eck, the New Mexico football program has found a gritty identity that travels well. They aren't afraid of the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium. In fact, they seem to thrive there.
On the flip side, UNLV's basketball program is often characterized as "fading glory," but under Kevin Kruger, they’ve become one of the best defensive units in the conference. They might not score 90 a night, but they will make you work for every single bucket.
The "Eck" Effect and the "Mullen" Era
The coaching battle is where things get really interesting.
Jason Eck has brought a sense of belief to Albuquerque that hasn't been there in decades. His teams play with a "nothing to lose" chip on their shoulder. When they beat UNLV in 2025, the Reddit threads were filled with Lobo fans calling him the "God Emperor." It sounds hyperbolic, but for a fanbase that has suffered through some truly lean years, he’s a savior.
UNLV, meanwhile, has been navigating the Dan Mullen era on the football side. Mullen brings high expectations and a sophisticated offensive scheme, but as we saw in the 40-35 loss, the defense still has massive holes.
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Key Matchups to Watch in 2026
Looking ahead to the next slate of New Mexico vs UNLV games, there are a few specific things you need to keep an eye on.
- The Quarterback Growth: Jack Layne vs. Anthony Colandrea is the premier QB matchup in the Mountain West. Both are high-variance players who can win a game with their legs or lose it with a bad interception.
- Nelly Junior Joseph's Shadow: In basketball, Joseph’s ability to control the glass (18 rebounds in one game against the Rebels!) dictates the tempo. If UNLV doesn't find a big man who can bang with him, they’ll keep losing.
- The Coaching Adjustments: Kruger and Pitino (for basketball) and Eck and Mullen (for football) are constantly playing chess. Watch how they handle the "middle eight"—the last four minutes of the first half and the first four of the second. That’s usually where these games are won.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re planning on following this rivalry closely, stop looking at the historical "all-time" records. They don't matter anymore. The landscape of the Mountain West shifted significantly in 2025.
For Basketball: Always lean toward the home team if the spread is under 4 points. The Pit and The Mack are two of the loudest venues in college sports, and they genuinely affect officiating and young players.
For Football: Look at the "Over." Both programs have shifted toward aggressive, high-scoring offenses. The 40-35 scoreline wasn't a fluke; it's the new standard for these two.
Watch the Injury Reports: Specifically for UNLV. Colandrea’s health was the difference between a win and a loss in their last meeting. If he’s not 100%, the Rebels’ offense becomes one-dimensional.
Keep an eye on the schedule for January 28, 2026. The Lobos and Rebels are set to meet again on the hardwood, and given the current standings, it’s likely to have massive seeding implications for the Mountain West Tournament.
The best way to stay ahead is to monitor the local beat writers in Albuquerque and Las Vegas rather than national outlets. They catch the small details—like a flu bug or a tweaked ankle in practice—that the big networks miss until tip-off.