UNLV will host Memphis in a Week 0 college football matchup, with the Rebels entering the game as four-point home favorites. The contest marks the beginning of the 2026 college football season and a key early opportunity for both teams to establish momentum toward potential College Football Playoff aspirations within their respective conferences.
UNLV, coming off a 10-win season under coach Dan Mullen, is projected to be a contender in the Mountain West Conference. Memphis, meanwhile, is expected to compete in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) under new head coach Charles Huff.
Both programs have undergone significant changes in the offseason. At UNLV, Mullen has brought in former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold to lead the offense, replacing Anthony Colandrea. Memphis is essentially rebuilding its roster and coaching staff under Huff, who is coaching his third school in as many years after successful stints at Marshall and Southern Miss.
While Arnold is a notable addition for UNLV due to his recruiting pedigree, the Rebels' offensive success is expected to rely heavily on their running game. Running back Jai’Den Thomas is identified as a key player who will challenge a revamped Memphis defense. The Tigers' defense has seen numerous changes under Huff, and the offensive side is also adjusting with the addition of FCS transfer quarterback Marcus Stokes.
The New York Post's betting preview suggests that while Memphis may possess a stronger roster over the course of a full season, UNLV holds an immediate advantage in this single game, particularly with its established run game. The betting pick favors UNLV to cover the four-point spread.