Mountain West Announces 2026 Preseason Teams
The Mountain West Conference has released its 2026 preseason All-Conference teams, and the UNLV Rebels have reason to celebrate, landing fifteen athletes across the first, second, third and fourth teams.
Leading the charge, sophomore running back Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas earned a first‑team nod, while senior offensive lineman Austin Boyd and safety Jake Pope also secured first‑team honors. Cornerback Avery Helm joined them on the first team, giving the Rebels a strong defensive presence.
The second team features transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold, who arrives from Auburn, alongside wide receiver Taeshaun Lyons and offensive tackle Jackson Brown. Defensive lineman Lucas Conti also received second‑team recognition.
Additional contributors placed on the third and fourth teams include Blesyng Alualu‑Tuiolemotu, Landen Thomas, Ramon Villela, Keyan Burnett, Kayden "Big Play" McGee, Cohen Fuller and Cam Santee, underscoring the depth of talent on the roster.
Head coach Dan Mullen, in his inaugural season with the Rebels, highlighted the collective effort that led to the accolades, noting that the team will open the campaign on August 29 against Memphis. Season tickets and mini‑plans for the home schedule are already on sale, with single‑game tickets set to go on sale July 8.