LIVE UPDATES: Tigers score two touchdowns on eight plays, teams remain deadlocked 21-21

The UNLV Rebels will begin their 2026 campaign at home Saturday against the Memphis Tigers at Allegiant Stadium.

After finishing 10-4 in the first season of the Dan Mullen era, the Rebels will open the season against one of the toughest Group of Six opponents on their schedule, with both programs receiving votes in the preseason AP Top 25 poll.

UNLV is searching for its first conference championship after finishing as the Mountain West runner-up in each of the previous three seasons.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Defensive Woes

Immediately follwoing the Rebels touchdown Memphis pull themselves back to even with a three-play scoring drive capped off by a 36-yard rushing touchdown by running back Jaylin Carter.

The Tigers have posted two touchdowns on eight plays as the UNLV defense has struggled to find its footing in the second half.

UNLV 21, Memphis 21, 8:38 remaining 3rd quarter

Kayden “Big Play” McGee

The Rebels punch in their third touchdown of the game as Arnold connects with McGee for a 22-yard score on second down.

The offense was set up in Tiger territiory follwoing a 54-yard rush across the middle of the field on the drives first set of downs.

UNLV 21, Memphis 14, 10:15 remaining 3rd quarter

Tiger injury

Following the Memphis score, an injury occurred on the ensuing kickoff return as UNLV defensive back Ellis Ellis Jr., who made the tackle on returner Thomas, was helped off the field after he was tended to by medical staff.

Problems with the tempo

Memphis opens up the second half with an immediate score capping off a five play drive with a 48-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Stonka Burnside.

Mullen detailed earlier in the week that the Tigers like to play with pace and the hurry-up offense caught the Rebels off guard as Stokes delivered three passes for 64 yards.

UNLV 14, Memphis 14, 13:07 remaining 3rd quarter

Second half underway

The Tigers will begin the third quarter with posession after electing to defer the opening coin toss.

UNLV has found success through the air

Despite scoring just two touchdowns in the opening half, the Rebels have found success against the Memphis defense, totaling 203 passing yards and 82 yards on the ground.

Arnold has completed 17 of 21 passing attempts, including a nine-for-nine start, while accounting for two touchdowns. He has thrown for one score and added another on the ground, finishing the half with 40 rushing yards.

Rebels fail to capitalize

Following the Memphis turnover, the Rebels drove into the red zone but were unable to add to their lead before halftime after UNLV kicker Ramon Viella missed a 32-yard field goal.

UNLV 14, Memphis 7, Halftime

Momentum shifting turnover

As the Tigers looked to answer back for the second consecutive possession Harris redeemed his earlier mistake in the redzone forcing and recovering a Memphis fumble in Tiger territory.

Advantage UNLV

After three straight empty possessions to open up the game the Rebel offense under Arnold is beginning to click.

Prior to the two-minute warning Arnold connected with Thomas down the sideline on fourth down for a 25-yard gain and then the Auburn transfer took it in himself for a six-yard rushing touchdown.

UNLV 14, Memphis 7, 1:56 remaining 2nd quarter

Memphis answers back

With the help of a pass interference call on defensive back Denver Harris the Tigers answer back with a scoring drive of their own to even the score.

Stokes connected with tight end Hunter Tipton for a 16 yard touchdown capping off a seven play drive.

UNLV 7, Memphis 7, 5:24 remaining 2nd quarter

Rebels strike first

It took four drives and more than 20 minutes of game time, but the Scarlet & Gray have finally opened the scoring at Allegiant Stadium.

The Rebels overcame two sets of downs behind the original line of scrimmage before Jackson Arnold connected with redshirt freshman Tavian McNair down the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown.

UNLV 7, Memphis 0, 8:14 remaining 2nd quarter

Scoreless after one

The game remains deadlocked at zero as the first quarter comes to an end prior to UNLV’s third punt of the game.

Both squads have combined for 162 total yards over 30 plays with no entries into the red zone across five possessions.

Slow start in Vegas

Through the first three drives of the game both teams have struggled to find cosistency on offense resulting in four consecutive punts and six first downs.

Four minutes remain in the first quarter as the Rebels are set to begin their third offensive drive.

Rebels opening drive stalls

Following back to back first down conversions the Rebel offense failed to move the ball deep into Tiger territiory. Memphis will receive their first possession of the game from inside their own 10-yard-line.

Jackson Arnold opens the game under center

The first two plays of the game are handoffs to running back Jai’Den Thomas to pick up the games opening first down before Arnold connected with Taeshaun Lyons for another first down on the games third offensive snap.

UNLV to receive the opening kickoff

The Tigers won the opening coin toss and elected to defer, giving UNLV possession to begin the game.

Mullen and the Rebels will have the first opportunity to put points on the board as fans get their first look at the new-look UNLV offense.

The stakes couldn’t be higher

Memphis enters the season with plenty of uncertainty after undergoing significant changes to both its coaching staff and roster, which could make the Tigers a difficult opponent to prepare for with limited film from the new-look team.

The Tigers begin the Charles Huff era with 71 new players across the offense and defense, giving UNLV plenty of unfamiliar faces to account for in Saturday’s season opener.

Rebels and Tigers warming up

After a long offseason, both programs are finally set to take the field for their Week 0 matchup.

Auburn transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold is expected to take the first snap for UNLV, while West Florida transfer Marcus Stokes is expected to get the start under center for Memphis.

UNLV vs Memphis channel, TV schedule

Records: UNLV 0-0, 0-0 (MW), Memphis 0-0, 0-0 (AAC)

When: Saturday

Time: 7 p.m. PT

Where: Allegiant Stadium

TV: Fox, KVVU-TV (Channel 5) Las Vegas

Radio: ESPN 1100 AM & 100.9 FM

Tickets: Available

UNLV vs Memphis odds

Spread: UNLV -4

Over/under: 55½ points

Moneyline: UNLV (-190), Memphis (+158)

Odds are provided by Caesars sportsbook as of Saturday afternoon.

UNLV schedule 2026

Week 0, Aug. 29: vs Memphis Tigers, 7 p.m., Fox

Week 1, Sept. 5, at Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, 7 p.m., The CW

Week 2, Sept. 12, at North Texas Mean Green, 12:45 p.m., ESPNU

Week 3, BYE WEEK

Week 4, Sept. 26, at Akron Zips, time and network TBD

Week 5, Oct. 3, vs Cal Golden Bears, 12:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 6, Oct. 10, vs North Dakota State Bison, 4 p.m., The CW

Week 7, Oct. 17, at Air Force Falcons, 12:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 8, BYE WEEK

Week 9, Oct. 31, vs Northern Illinois Huskies, 7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 10, Nov. 7, vs Wyoming Cowboys, 7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 11, Nov. 14, at New Mexico Lobos, 4:30 p.m., The CW

Week 12, Nov. 21, at San Jose State Spartans, 4 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 13, Nov. 28 vs UNR Wolf Pack, 6 p.m., CBS Sports Network