Maybe it was the desert heat, or maybe it was just that weird Week 0 energy that makes college football the most unpredictable sport on the planet. Either way, if you bet on the UNLV vs Idaho State matchup expecting a blowout, you probably spent most of the fourth quarter biting your nails.
Everyone thought they knew the script. UNLV, coming off a massive 2024 season and led by coach Dan Mullen, was supposed to steamroll the Bengals. But sports are never that simple. The final 38-31 score told a story of a Big Sky underdog that refused to roll over and a Rebel team that had to dig deeper than anyone expected.
The August 23rd Scare: How Idaho State Almost Stunned Vegas
Let's be honest: nobody gave Idaho State much of a chance when they rolled into Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2025.
The Bengals were coming off a rocky history against the Rebels, including a brutal 80-8 loss back in 2015. But this wasn't the same program. Under Cody Hawkins, Idaho State has developed this "never say die" air raid mentality that can make even the best Mountain West defenses look a little silly.
Early on, it looked like a disaster for the home crowd. Idaho State jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. You could literally hear the silence growing in the stands. UNLV's offense, led by Anthony Colandrea, looked out of sync. There were missed assignments, a couple of "what was he thinking?" throws, and a general lack of rhythm.
Then, the second half happened.
UNLV finally started leaning on Jai’Den Thomas. The kid is a human highlight reel. He finished the game with a massive chunk of yardage, helping the Rebels claw back into the lead. But even with a 38-31 victory, the vibes weren't exactly celebratory. It was more of a "whew, we escaped" kind of feeling.
✨ Don't miss: When Was the MLS Founded? The Chaotic Truth About American Soccer's Rebirth
For Idaho State, it was a "moral victory," though coaches hate that term. They proved they could hang with a top-tier G5 program. Jordan Cooke threw for over 300 yards against a secondary that was supposed to be a lockdown unit.
Breaking Down the UNLV vs Idaho State History
If you look at the all-time record, it’s been pretty lopsided lately. Idaho State is currently 0-5 against UNLV since 2006.
- 2006: A 54-10 Rebel win.
- 2015: The "80-point Massacre" that Bengals fans still have nightmares about.
- 2022: A 52-21 blowout where UNLV looked like a different species.
- 2025: The recent 38-31 nail-biter.
Wait, why does the 2025 game matter so much? Because it showed the gap is closing. In 2015, UNLV scored 80. In 2025, they won by a single touchdown. That’s progress, even if it doesn’t show up in the win column for the Bengals.
Why the Bengals Are No Longer a "Cupcake" Game
It used to be that FBS teams scheduled Idaho State for an easy win and a chance to get the second-stringers some reps. Those days are basically over.
Cody Hawkins has brought a specific brand of "Aggressive Analytics" to Pocatello. They go for it on fourth down. They throw the ball 50 times a game. They don’t care if you're a Power 4 school or a Mountain West contender; they're going to try to outscore you in a track meet.
Key Players Who Changed the Game
You can’t talk about UNLV vs Idaho State without mentioning Anthony Colandrea. The UNLV QB is polarizing. He’s got the arm talent of a Sunday player but sometimes makes decisions that make you want to put your head in your hands. Against the Bengals, he was the difference-maker late, using his legs to extend plays when the pocket collapsed.
🔗 Read more: Navy Notre Dame Football: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
On the other side, Dason Brooks for Idaho State is a beast. He’s a junior RB who runs like he’s trying to break through a brick wall. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in the 2025 season for a reason. UNLV’s linebackers, including guys like Justin Flowe, had their hands full trying to wrap him up in the open field.
UNLV's Defensive Identity Crisis?
One thing that came out of the recent matchup was a big question mark over the Rebels' defense.
Coach Dan Mullen has high expectations. He’s been around elite talent at Florida and Mississippi State. Seeing his defense give up over 30 points to an FCS opponent definitely didn't sit well. Sure, they won, but they lacked that "killer instinct" to put the game away early.
What This Means for the 2026 Season
Looking ahead, UNLV is moving into a new era. They just announced a massive home-and-home with Memphis starting in 2026. The schedule is getting tougher. They’re playing Cal. They’re playing UCLA.
If the Rebels want to be serious contenders for a CFP spot—yes, that's the goal now in the expanded playoff era—they can't afford to let teams like Idaho State hang around.
Idaho State, meanwhile, is entering 2026 with seven home games. That’s huge for a program trying to build a local culture at the ICCU Dome. They’re scheduled to play Utah State and VMI. After how they played against UNLV, don't be surprised if they pull off an upset against a mid-level FBS team soon.
💡 You might also like: LeBron James Without Beard: Why the King Rarely Goes Clean Shaven Anymore
The Recruitment Factor
Vegas is a recruiting hotbed right now. You’ve got kids from Bishop Gorman and Arbor View staying home to play for UNLV.
Interestingly, Idaho State is starting to dip into the Vegas talent pool too. They signed guys like Braylen Gardner and Teddy Johnson from Arbor View recently. It adds a little extra spice to the matchup when the "underdog" has local Vegas kids on the roster who felt overlooked by the Rebels.
Common Misconceptions About the Matchup
Kinda funny, but a lot of people think UNLV and Idaho State play every year. They don't. It's usually a "pay game" scheduled every few years.
Another big one? People think the "UN" in UNLV stands for "University of Nevada." It doesn't. It’s the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Don’t get them confused with the Wolf Pack up in Reno, or you’ll get a very cold shoulder in a Vegas sports bar.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Bettors
If you’re looking at future UNLV vs Idaho State games or just following these two teams through the 2026 season, here’s the reality:
- Watch the Spread: UNLV often gets overvalued because of the "Vegas" brand name. As we saw in 2025, Idaho State is a "cover machine" when they are double-digit underdogs because their offense never stops scoring.
- Follow the QB Transfers: Both programs have been active in the portal. UNLV’s success depends entirely on Colandrea’s development and whether they can find a consistent backup.
- Check the Altitude: If UNLV ever has to travel to Pocatello (which is rare, but it happens), the Holt Arena (ICCU Dome) is a weird place to play. It’s indoor, loud, and the air is thin.
Basically, the Rebels might have the win-loss record on their side, but the Bengals have earned the respect of the Mountain West. The days of 80-8 are gone. We're in the era of high-scoring, high-drama football where no lead is safe, especially when these two programs meet on the turf.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the Mountain West and Big Sky injury reports as the 2026 season approaches. UNLV's opener against Memphis on August 29 will be the real litmus test for whether they learned their lesson from the Idaho State scare. For the Bengals, their August 29 home opener against VMI is the perfect chance to start their campaign for a FCS playoff spot.