UNLV starting quarterback reverses course, will enter transfer portal

Anthony Colandrea has changed his mind.

UNLV’s star junior quarterback will indeed enter the transfer portal.

Agents from YM APAA Sports, the agency representing Colandrea, retweeted reports about the player entering the portal.

Colandrea couldn’t be reached for comment. UNLV coach Dan Mullen didn’t return messages seeking comment.

It was after the team’s first practice in preparation for the Frisco Bowl when Colandrea spoke about his future: “I’m not transferring,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying here. I just want to play in the (bowl game) and finish out the year with the guys.

“Money is never going to be part of my decision. I’m never making a decision based on that. I base it on my future, and my future is here with (offensive coordinator Corey) Dennis and coach Mullen.”

Colandrea was the Mountain West’s Offensive Player of the Year after delivering one of the best seasons for a quarterback in school history.

He threw for 3,275 yards with 23 touchdowns while running for 621 yards and nine scores — numbers that would undoubtedly draw major interest in a transfer portal and NIL world.

Colandrea has known life in the portal previously. He transferred to UNLV from Virginia after Mullen took the coaching job in December 2024.

“I don’t want to go through that again because it’s not fun,” Colandrea said at the bowl practice about entering the portal.

The Rebels lost to Ohio 17-10 in the Frisco Bowl on Tuesday.

Colandrea completed 19 of 30 passes for 184 yards with one interception. He ran for the team’s only score.

Mullen should land a quarterback in the portal. He has a history of tutoring some of the best at the position in college history, including Dak Prescott, Tim Tebow and Alex Smith.

The transfer portal officially opens Jan. 2 and runs through Jan. 16, but most deals will have been made prior to that behind closed doors.

Also at that bowl practice, running back Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season, pledged his commitment to return for his senior season.

On Friday, however, Thomas tweeted the following: “Respectfully, no football questions right now. I’m off the clock and with family. Appreciate y’all.”

When asked previously if he would return to the Rebels, Thomas said: “Yes, of course. Vegas was my first home. It would be great finishing out my last year with the Rebels. Money comes, money goes. Just stay to who you are. Stay to your principles.”

Also, edge rusher Tunmise Adeleye, who also spent time at Texas A&M, Michigan State and Texas State, will reportedly enter the portal. He was an honorable mention all-conference player this season.

Maysan Neubauer, an offensive tackle with one year eligibility remaining, tweeted his intentions of entering the portal.