Rebels make history, appear in national rankings for 1st time

By Callie Lawson-Freeman Las Vegas Review-Journal

3 months ago

UNLV head coach Barry Odom walks off the field after win over Kansas in an NCAA college footbal ... — UNLV head coach Barry Odom walks off the field after win over Kansas in an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) looks to pass against Kansas in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka runs with the ball in the first half against Kansas during an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

UNLV football is nationally ranked for the first time since the program moved up to Division I in 1978.

The Rebels were No. 25 in the USA Today coaches poll Sunday. They are 3-0 for the first time since 1984 after defeating Kansas 23-20 on the road Friday.

Ranked Rebels. pic.twitter.com/9EmvDDRZKL

— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) September 15, 2024

UNLV won its season opener 27-7 at Houston on Aug. 31 and defeated Utah Tech 72-14 in its home opener Sept. 7.

The Rebels didn’t make The Associated Press’ top 25 on Sunday, but they did rise up the ranks. They earned 54 points in the latest poll. The only unranked teams that received more were Memphis (77), Syracuse (62) and Boise State (62).

“We are certainly excited about the start of our season,” UNLV second-year coach Barry Odom, who is 12-5 with the Rebels, said in a statement. “Our team understands the importance of preparation and how huge each opportunity is for our program. We need to improve in all three phases of the game to continue to play winning football.”

UNLV earned its first spot in the rankings two weeks after Odom said he was abandoning “coach talk.” He admitted he reads the polls and asked voters to consider his team.

The Rebels still have loftier goals remaining this season, however. They hope to earn a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The first playoff rankings will be released Nov. 5.

The five highest-ranked conference champions will earn automatic spots in the tournament.

UNLV begins Mountain West play by hosting Fresno State (2-1) at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Allegiant Stadium.

Contact Callie Lawson-Freeman at clawsonfreeman@reviewjournal.com. Follow @CallieJLaw on X.