UNLV Rebels vs
Sam Houston St. BearkatsPredictions & Preview

UNLV Rebels Favored by 10 Points in Upcoming NCAAF Week 1 Matchup Against Sam Houston State Cougars

This summary provides an overview of the upcoming NCAAF Week 1 matchup between the UNLV Rebels and the Sam Houston State Cougars, taking place at Shell Energy Stadium. The UNLV Rebels are favored to win by 10 points, with a game total of 61.5 points expected to be scored. The game will showcase the strengths of both teams, with the Rebels coming off a successful 11-3 season and the Bearkats securing double-digit victories including a New Orleans Bowl win. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET in Houston.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Rebels -333 | Bearkats +267
• Spread: Rebels -9.5 (-110) | Bearkats +9.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 61.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that UNLV will win straight-up is 77%.

UNLV Rebels

The UNLV Rebels opened their 2025 NCAAF season with a 38-31 victory over Idaho State, despite being outgained in yards. The team's ground game was particularly strong, led by standout RB Jai'Den Thomas. New head coach Dan Mullen hopes to build on this win, despite a roster turnover that saw the departure of many key players from last season. The defense struggled, but the team remains injury-free heading into their upcoming game against Sam Houston State. Moving forward, the Rebels will need to improve their tackling and generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks to continue their success.

Sam Houston St. Bearkats

The Sam Houston State Bearkats suffered a 41-24 loss to Western Kentucky in their season opener, despite showing promise with early leads. The team struggled on defense, allowing 506 total yards with 401 through the air. With a new coaching staff and many new starters, the Bearkats are in a rebuilding phase. Head coach Phil Longo will rely on quarterback Hunter Watson and running back Alton McCaskill for offensive production. The defense, spearheaded by coordinator Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay, will look to improve its performance against UNLV. Injuries to RB Ah'Marion Gaines-Smith and WR Grady O'Neill may impact their availability for the upcoming game.

Get ready for an in-depth analysis of the UNLV Rebels vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats NCAAF matchup!

Discover insights into the upcoming NCAAF matchup between the UNLV Rebels and Sam Houston State Bearkats. Gain a deeper understanding of the potential outcome by exploring our detailed prediction and analysis. Stay informed on key factors that may influence the game and make an educated assessment on who holds the advantage in this highly anticipated clash. Dive into the data, statistics, and expert opinions to enhance your knowledge of the teams and their performance leading up to the game. Prepare yourself for an exciting showdown and be ready to witness top-tier collegiate football action.

Sources: [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ]