After nearly four decades of waiting, the UNLV Rebels have etched their names in history, capping off an unforgettable season with their 11th win — a feat that ties the program’s single-season record in the Football Bowl Subdivision. This landmark achievement came with a 24-13 victory over California in the LA Bowl, held at the iconic SoFi Stadium.
For UNLV, this season was a rollercoaster ride of challenges and triumphs. They weathered early setbacks, key departures, and a coaching change, yet rallied together to make history. The Rebels’ journey culminated in an electrifying performance, with interim head coach Del Alexander stepping in to guide the team to one of its greatest achievements. As Alexander put it with a grin, “How’s that for a substitute teacher?” during the postgame press conference.
A Season Marked by Resilience and Legacy
The Rebels’ resilience defined their season. Early in the year, they lost their starting quarterback. Then, just before the bowl game, they faced the departure of head coach Barry Odom. To top it off, star wide receiver Ricky White III opted to sit out the game to prepare for the NFL draft. Despite these challenges, the team banded together, leaning on a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars to deliver a season for the ages.
White’s absence opened the door for junior wide receiver Jacob De Jesus, who rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. De Jesus, named the LA Bowl Offensive MVP, led the team with two receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown while amassing 102 return yards. His contributions were vital, especially given his personal struggles. Just months earlier, De Jesus lost his father to cancer, a man who had been both a coach and an inspiration throughout his life. Balancing grief with his responsibilities as a father himself, De Jesus drew strength from his teammates and coaches to push through.
“It’s a very special win, man, something that I really can’t quite comprehend,” De Jesus said, holding back emotion. “This season has been one heck of a bumpy ride. But doing this in front of my family, seeing my mom cry after the game—it just means the world to me.”
Turning Points and Bold Plays
One of the game’s most thrilling moments came during the second quarter with a gutsy fake punt. Facing fourth-and-seven, punter Marshall Nichols launched a 52-yard pass to Cameron Oliver, setting the stage for a game-changing touchdown. This bold, Las Vegas-style gamble epitomized the Rebels’ approach and shifted momentum squarely in their favor.
“When it comes to the fake punt, my head was in the clouds,” Alexander admitted. “Coach [James] Shibest asked, ‘Hey, you want to run it?’ I said, ‘Go.’ I’d seen it work in practice for years, and when it worked in the game, I just thought, ‘OK, good. That’s what we needed.’”
That play led to a quick nine-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams to De Jesus, giving UNLV a lead they would never relinquish. Williams, described by teammates as a winner, played a crucial role in the Rebels’ success this season. The dual-threat quarterback, who transferred from a Football Championship Subdivision program, stepped into the starting role three games into the season. Though his numbers weren’t overwhelming in the bowl game — completing 5 of 18 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns, along with 27 rushing yards — his leadership and poise proved invaluable.
Defensive Dominance
While the offense made headlines, it was the Rebels’ defense that sealed the deal. Led by Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Jack Woodard, UNLV’s defense stifled the Golden Bears in the second half, holding them scoreless and allowing just 119 total yards. Woodard, who may have played his final game for UNLV, delivered a standout performance with 11 tackles and three pass breakups, earning him the LA Bowl Defensive MVP title.
The Rebels’ defense also forced two fumbles, recovered one, and registered two critical sacks. These efforts helped stymie Cal’s attempts to mount a comeback. The Golden Bears’ quarterback rotation added to their struggles, with veteran CJ Harris starting but exiting due to injury. True freshman EJ Caminong stepped in but fumbled on a backward pass, leading to a pivotal rushing touchdown by UNLV’s Kylin James.
Closing Out on a High Note
UNLV’s win wasn’t just about breaking records; it was a celebration of legacy and perseverance. Alexander paid tribute to his mentor, the late John Robinson, who coached him at USC and later led UNLV to its last bowl victory. Wearing a “JR” sticker on his chest, Alexander said the moment was deeply personal. “For these players to experience this and establish their own legacy, it’s a huge deal,” he said. “Hats off to them.”
The Rebels added insurance points in the fourth quarter with a 48-yard field goal from Caden Chittenden. Meanwhile, Cal struggled to find its footing. Missed opportunities, including a wide-left 41-yard field goal attempt by Nick Morris, and a turnover-riddled second half, sealed their fate. For Cal head coach Justin Wilcox, it was a frustrating end to the season. “We had chances,” he said. “But we didn’t capitalize, and that hurt us.”
Looking Ahead
With new head coach Dan Mullen set to take over the program, the Rebels are positioned for a bright future. Mullen inherits a team that not only proved its mettle on the field but also demonstrated the kind of grit and camaraderie needed to overcome adversity.
For Cal, the season ended with a losing record in their debut ACC campaign and extended their streak of losses against top-25 opponents to 13 games. Despite the disappointment, Wilcox expressed hope for the future. “There were frustrating moments, but never hopeless,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to do before we come back.”
The Rebel Spirit
UNLV’s remarkable 11-win season is more than just a milestone; it’s a testament to the team’s resilience, daring play-calling, and the bond between players and coaches. From De Jesus’s emotional triumph to Woodard’s defensive heroics, the Rebels have set a new standard for the program. As the players celebrated on the field at SoFi Stadium, the message was clear: this is just the beginning for UNLV football.
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