If you had told a UNLV fan a few years ago that the Rebels would be winning 11 games and hoisting a bowl trophy in Southern California, they probably would’ve asked what you were drinking. Honestly, this program spent decades as the "easy win" on everyone else’s calendar. But the unlv football schedule 2024 wasn't just another year of "wait until next season." It was the season that changed everything.
Under Barry Odom, this team didn't just play football; they caused chaos. From a bizarre quarterback controversy that made national headlines to a physical dominance in the Mountain West that nobody saw coming, 2024 was a wild ride.
The Start of Something Different
The season kicked off in August with a statement. UNLV traveled to Houston and basically bullied a Big 12 team on their own turf. A 27-7 win. It wasn't just a win; it was a "hey, we're actually good" announcement to the rest of the country.
Then came the Utah Tech game. 72-14.
Total destruction.
🔗 Read more: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
But the real drama started right after a gritty 23-20 road win against Kansas. Suddenly, the starting quarterback, Matthew Sluka, left the team over an NIL dispute. Most teams would have folded. You’d expect a locker room to implode when your QB1 walks out mid-September. Instead, Hajj-Malik Williams stepped in and the "Go-Go" offense didn't miss a beat.
Breaking Down the unlv football schedule 2024
Looking back, the middle of the schedule was a gauntlet of heart-stoppers and high-scoring track meets. They handled Fresno State easily (59-14) before hitting a wall against Syracuse in an overtime heartbreaker at Allegiant Stadium. That 44-41 loss stung, but it proved UNLV could trade punches with anyone.
The late October clash with Boise State was arguably the game of the year in the Mountain West. A 29-24 loss to the Broncos showed just how thin the margin for error was. It was a heavyweight fight in a stadium that was finally—finally—packed with Rebel fans.
💡 You might also like: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
Key Moments from the 2024 Run:
- September 13: The 23-20 win at Kansas that proved the Houston game wasn't a fluke.
- October 19: A tough 33-25 road win at Oregon State, keeping the momentum alive.
- November 30: Crushing Nevada 38-14 to keep the Fremont Cannon painted scarlet.
- December 18: The 24-13 victory over Cal in the LA Bowl.
The Postseason and the LA Bowl
By the time the regular season ended, UNLV sat at 10-2. They had to face Boise State again for the Mountain West Championship, and while they fell short in a 21-7 defensive struggle, the invitation to the LA Bowl was a massive consolation prize.
The game at SoFi Stadium was a masterclass in grit. Barry Odom had already accepted the head coaching job at Purdue by then, leaving Del Alexander to lead the team as the interim. You might think a team without their head coach would look sloppy. You’d be wrong.
The Rebels' defense shut out Cal in the second half. Jackson Woodard, the heart of that defense, played like a man possessed, finishing his career with 11 tackles in that game. When the clock hit zero and the 24-13 score was final, it marked the first time in 40 years UNLV reached 11 wins.
📖 Related: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
Why This Schedule Mattered
Basically, the unlv football schedule 2024 served as a redemption arc. They played 14 games and won 11 of them. They were ranked as high as No. 19 in the nation at one point. For a school that used to struggle to sell tickets, seeing 42,228 people show up for the Boise State game was surreal.
Ricky White III proved he’s an NFL-caliber receiver, and Jai’Den Thomas showed that the future of the backfield is bright. Even with the coaching transition, the foundation is clearly built.
If you're a fan or a bettor looking at how this program is trending, the takeaway is simple: UNLV isn't a "basketball school" anymore. They are a physical, disciplined football program that knows how to win on the road (6-1 away record!) and won't be intimidated by Power 4 logos.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep this momentum going or follow the team's trajectory, focus on these three things:
- Watch the Transfer Portal: With Odom gone to Purdue, the roster stability through the spring will dictate if 2025 is a rebuild or a reload.
- Check the 2026 Non-Conference Slates: They have a rematch with Cal scheduled for 2026 in Las Vegas.
- Keep an eye on Hajj-Malik Williams: His efficiency (19 TDs) was the quiet engine of the late-season success.
The 2024 season is in the books as the best in modern school history. 11-3. LA Bowl Champs. Top 25 finish. It’s a new era in the desert.