College football returns to FOX on Saturday night with a Week 0 contest featuring the Memphis Tigers and the UNLV Rebels. The game is scheduled for a 10 p.m. ET kickoff and will be broadcast on FOX, with live streaming available on FOX One.
This marks the first meeting between the two programs and will be held at Allegiant Stadium. Both teams are navigating quarterback situations as the season begins. The Tigers are embarking on the first season under head coach Charles Huff, who brought 81 newcomers, including 61 transfers, to the roster. UNLV, under head coach Dan Mullen, is entering its second year after finishing the 2025 season with a 10-4 record and appearing in the Mountain West Championship Game.
Key Players to Watch
For Memphis, redshirt senior Dallan Hayden is expected to be a key figure in the offense. He brings 1,185 career rushing yards and eight touchdowns into the season opener. His performance could be crucial in establishing the run game and easing the transition for the Tigers' new pieces, potentially limiting opportunities for the UNLV offense.
On the defensive side for Memphis, J'Mond Tapp, who followed Huff from Southern Miss, is expected to set the edge. Tapp recorded 7.5 sacks and earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2025. He will face a UNLV rushing attack anchored by Jai'Den Thomas.
UNLV's offense relies heavily on Jai'Den Thomas, who rushed for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, also contributing 39 receptions for 237 yards and a touchdown. His versatility poses a significant challenge for a Memphis defense that has seen considerable turnover through the transfer portal.
Senior safety Jake Pope is a veteran presence for the UNLV secondary. He recorded 81 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and five pass breakups in 2025. Pope's role will involve identifying offensive formations, limiting explosive plays, and ensuring effective tackling for the Rebels against Memphis's new-look offense.
FOX One will stream the game live, with coverage beginning Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. College football fans can follow the full schedule for game times, TV information, and season updates.