UNLV Rebels are set to make a landmark entrance into the national football spotlight as the 2026 season opens with a high‑profile matchup against Memphis at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The game, slated for August 29, will mark the first time the program appears on FOX during the regular season, a milestone that underscores the growing visibility of the university’s football brand.
A historic broadcast milestone
The schedule, released by the Mountain West Conference, guarantees at least eleven national television appearances spread across CBS Sports Network, The CW, ESPNU and FOX. This extensive slate reflects the conference’s confidence in UNLV’s competitiveness and the appeal of its matchups.
Six of the Rebels’ twelve contests will be carried by CBS Sports Network, including a home showdown with Cal from the Atlantic Coast Conference on October 3 at noon‑thirty. The network’s involvement adds a layer of prestige to the non‑conference schedule.
The CW will broadcast three Rebel games, among them the season‑opening trip to Hawai’i on September 5 and a Halloween night duel with Northern Illinois on October 31. These prime‑time slots are designed to capture the largest possible audience.
Additional high‑profile fixtures include a road test at North Texas on September 12, aired on ESPNU at twelve forty‑five in the Pacific Time Zone, and a late‑November clash with Wyoming on November 7 at seven thirty in the evening. The annual Battle for the Fremont Cannon against archrival UNR is set for November 28 at six o’clock, rounding out a demanding slate.
Head coach Dan Mullen, who took the helm last season, is already framing the campaign as a push for a fourth consecutive appearance in the Mountain West Football Championship Game. His experience at the collegiate level brings a strategic edge to the team’s preparation.
Beyond the broadcast details, the schedule reflects a deliberate effort to test the Rebels against a diverse array of opponents, from ACC powerhouses to Mountain West rivals, ensuring that UNLV remains competitive and visible throughout the year.