LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV football head coach Dan Mullen announced a record-setting class of 24 scholarship student-athletes who have signed commitments to become Rebels during Wednesday's opening day of the early national signing period.
 
At the time of this release, the UNLV football class is ranked No. 56 in the nation by 247Sports, which easily bests the program's previous high of No. 66 logged under legendary head coach John Robinson in 2003. The Rebels boast the second-highest ranked class among all non-A4 schools according to 247Sports and Rivals and a full 12 new players were ranked in the top 100 at their respective position by at least one of 247Sports, Rivals or ESPN.
 
"Today is a great day to be a Rebel and to become a Rebel -- which is clear from this historic recruiting class," said Mullen. "Our staff did an unbelievable job putting together our first early signing class. Not only have we brought tremendous talent to the program, but we've also brought in extremely high-character, quality young men. The focus of our program is, and always will be, player development. I'm excited for Rebel Nation to welcome the top recruiting class in the Mountain West and one of the top Group of Six classes in the country, here to Las Vegas. It's an exciting time as we compete for a Mountain West championship this week and continue building a foundation for future championships."
 
The latest additions include all high school players. Nearly 20 could graduate early, enroll at UNLV in January and compete in what will be the second spring practice under Mullen. Interestingly, three different high schools are sending a pair of players to campus in this cycle with teammates coming from Palo Duro in Texas, Chaminade Prep in California and hometown powerhouse program Bishop Gorman.
 
The overall early class leans heavier on offense as 14 new Rebels make their home on that side of the ball compared to 10 on defense. The position breakdown: 6 OL, 5 WR, 4 DL, 4 DB, 2 LB, 1 RB, 1 TE and 1 QB.
 
The 24-player group consists of student-athletes whose hometowns are spread among 10 states: 10 are from California, three are from Texas, two hail from Nevada, Florida and Georgia and one each is from Oregon, Ohio, Washington, Utah and Mississippi.
 
The Rebels, who finished in tie for first place during the regular season, have reached the 10-win mark in back-to-back years for the first time ever. UNLV will next travel to Idaho to face Boise State in Friday's Mountain West Championship game. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. PT on FOX.
 
2026 UNLV football season ticket renewals, new season tickets and premium options are available now by visiting UNLVTickets.com. For more information on season ticket options, call 702-739-FANS (3267).
 
UNLV FOOTBALL EARLY SIGNING CLASS ANNOUNCED 12-3-25
(24 Total)

NAME                       POS  HT   WT    CL-EXP HOMETOWN         PREVIOUS SCHOOL   

Cole Albrecht                 OLB     6-4     235     FR-HS     Sandy, UT                   Alta HS
Tatum Bell Jr.                WR      6-0     200     FR-HS     Frisco, TX                   Heritage HS
Mateo Bilaver                 OL       6-6     315     FR-HS     N. Hollywood, CA       Chaminade College Prep
Vern Blair                       CB       6-0     170     FR-HS     Amarillo, TX                Palo Duro HS
Vincent Carner               WR      6-4     205     FR-HS     Newbury Park, CA      Newbury Park HS
Andreas Diaz-Nicolaidis    TE       6-3     235     FR-HS     Portland, OR               Bishop Gorman HS
Prin Fox                         DL       6-3     270     FR-HS     Cashmere, WA           Cashmere HS
Derek Garcia                 QB       6-4     195     FR-HS     Ventura, CA                Ventura HS
Jesus Garcia II               OL       6-5     290     FR-HS     SE San Diego, CA      Lincoln HS
Josh Haney                    OL       6-4     280     FR-HS     Mission Viejo, CA       JSerra Catholic HS
Jesse Harden                 WR      6-3     185     FR-HS     Tampa, FL                  Spoto HS
Ronnell Hewitt Jr.          LB        6-1     225     FR-HS     Los Angeles, CA         Chaminade College Prep
Skylar Lendsey-Vann    RB       5-11   190     FR-HS     Los Angeles, CA         Western HS
Darien Lewis                  S          6-0     205     FR-HS     Amarillo, TX                Palo Duro HS
Tylen Mathews              S          6-0     185     FR-HS     Lake Cormorant, MS  Lake Cormorant HS
Jordan Njoku                 LB        6-3     230     FR-HS     Los Angeles, CA         Culver City HS   
DeMari Nunley               WR      6-3     195     FR-HS     Los Angeles, CA         St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy
Cameron Parodi             S          6-2     200     FR-HS     Milton, GA                   Cambridge HS
Poe Purcell Jr.               DL       6-3     310     FR-HS     Las Vegas, NV            Bishop Gorman HS
Eli Sanchez                    OL       6-3     290     FR-HS     Sandusky, OH            Perkins HS
Zach Scott                     OL       6-5     295     FR-HS     Henderson, NV           Coronado HS
Bryce Waters                 DL       6-4     315     FR-HS     Tampa, FL                  Carrollwood Day School
Malik White                    OL       6-5     315     FR-HS     R. Cucamonga, CA    Rancho Cucamonga HS
Peyton Zachary             WR      5-8     170     FR-HS     Atlanta, GA                 Carrollton HS

UNLV FOOTBALL SIGNEE BIOS

COLE ALBRECHT

OLB            6-4        235              FR-HS                     Sandy, UT                                            Alta HS
 

• A unanimous three-star recruit as an edge/defensive end
• Ranked among the top-40 prospects in Utah, including 23rd by Rivals, 27th by ESPN and 40th by 247Sports
• Picked the Rebels over Iowa State among his list of offers
• Listed at No. 148 by Rivals, No. 163 by ESPN and No. 202 by 247Sports nationally at his position
• Played both defensive end and wide receiver
• Lettered three seasons at Alta HS
• During his career at AHS, made 99 tackles, including 59 solo takedowns, 13 TFLs and eight sacks
• Also added two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in his time with the Hawks
• Helped Alta HS advance to the UHSAA Class 5A state semifinals as a sophomore
• Reached the second round of the 5A state playoffs in 2024 and 2025
• An all-region selection

TATUM BELL JR.

WR       6-0        200         FR-HS            Frisco, TX                                                        Heritage HS

• A highly touted unanimous three-star wide receiver
• Rated the No. 96 WR in the country and 80th-ranked player in the Lone Star State by 247Sports
• Chose the Rebels over Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Michigan, TCU, Baylor, Illinois, Minnesota, Houston and Mississippi State among other offers
• The son of former NFL running back Tatum Bell
• Lettered all four years at Heritage HS
• Hauled in 167 receptions for 2,200 yards and 25 TDs during his career with the Coyotes
• Tallied over 500 receiving yards each of the last three seasons, including a personal-best 963 yards to go along with 11 TDs as a junior
• Totaled over 2,900 all-purpose yards and 2,500 yards of total offense for his career
• Also passed for 115 yards and a passing TD, while running for 274 yards and two TDs at HHS

MATEO BILAVER

OL               6-6        315                   FR-HS      North Hollywood, CA       Chaminade College Prep

• A unanimous three-star offensive tackle
• Rivals lists him as the No. 92 player in California and No. 125 in the nation at his position
• Provided protection for a Chaminade HS team that reached the CIF Southern Section semifinals twice
• Joins the Rebels alongside his high school teammate Ronnell Hewitt
• Named the 2025 Most Valuable Lineman in the Mission League after senior season

VERN BLAIR

CB       6-0        170         FR-HS            Amarillo, TX                                                   Palo Duro HS

• Joins his high school teammate, Darien Lewis, in signing with the Rebels
• Lettered three years at Palo Duro HS
• Made Texas Football Conference 5A D2 state playoffs twice with the Dons
• Recorded 60 total tackles and one INT in his time at PDHS

VINCENT CARNER

WR       6-4        205                   FR-HS            Newbury Park, CA                       Newbury Park HS

• A unanimous three-star wide receiver
• Rated the No. 106 player in the Golden State according to Rivals

ANDREAS DIAZ-NICOLAIDIS

TE       6-3        235        FR-HS              Portland, OR                                       Bishop Gorman HS

• A unanimous three-star linebacker
• Rated No. 8 by ESPN and No. 14 by 247Sports among all players in Nevada
• The third-ranked athlete in the Silver State as well as the top-ranked outside linebacker
• Chose UNLV over UCLA, Kansas, Wake Forest and Pittsburgh among others
• Played at Central Catholic HS in Portland, OR, before transferring to local powerhouse Bishop Gorman HS for his senior season
• Helped lead the Gaels to their fifth consecutive state title and an 11-1 record after moving to Las Vegas

PRIN FOX

DL               6-3        270              FR-HS                    Cashmere, WA                          Cashmere HS

• A unanimous three-star defensive lineman
• Rated a top-100 receiver in the country, ranking 83rd on ESPN and 84th on 247Sports
• Top-15 ranked player in the state of Washington, including No. 7 on ESPN, No. 9 on 247Sports and No. 12 on Rivals
• Chose UNLV over Arizona, Wake Forest and Boston College among other offers
• Earned two letters at Cashmere HS
• Has reached the Class 1A state championship as a senior at CHS with an 11-1 record
• Made it to the state playoff semifinals as a junior with his Bulldogs squad that went 10-2
• A two-time SCAC First Team selection
• Named the 2025 SCAC OL/DL Lineman of the Year

DEREK GARCIA

QB              6-4        195              FR-HS                   Ventura, CA                                   Ventura HS

• A unanimous three-star quarterback
• Ranked the No. 30 QB in the nation by ESPN
• Listed as the country's No. 61 QB by both Rivals and 247Sports
• Holds a top-100 overall player ranking in California from all three outlets, including 57th on Rivals an 72nd on ESPN
• Chose the Rebels over Arkansas, Cal, Kansas, Minnesota and Syracuse among other offers
• Led the team to back-to-back undefeated 5-0 league records as a junior and senior
• Has guided the squad to the regional championship for the chance to earn a state championship berth in 2025
• Won the 2025 CIF Southern Section Division 6 Championship
• Has passed for 6,741 yards in his career and 72 TDs, including over 2,500 passing yards and 27 TDs each of the past two years
• Has thrown for a career-high 3,191 yards and 34 TDs as a senior
• Has racked up 925 career rushing yards and 15 rushing TDs, including a career-best 649 yards and 11 scores in 2025
• Holds a career .634 completion percentage

JESUS GARCIA II

OL               6-5        290              FR-HS         Southeast San Diego, CA                                     Lincoln HS

• A unanimous three-star interior offensive lineman
• Rated the No. 82 offensive tackle in the country by Rivals
• Listed as No. 60 by Rivals and No. 102 by ESPN in California's player rankings
• Tabbed a top-150 offensive tackle by ESPN and 247Sports
• Picked Rebels over Cal among his FBS offers
• Claimed CIF Division 1-AA state titles at Lincoln HS as a junior and freshman

JOSH HANEY

OL       6-4        280         FR-HS            Mission Viejo, CA                                  JSerra Catholic HS

• A unanimous three-star offensive tackle
• ESPN lists him as the No. 94 offensive tackle in the country
• Rated the No. 78 player in California
• Earned three varsity letters at JSerra Catholic
• Chose UNLV over Purdue and Army among other offers

JESSE HARDEN

WR       6-3        185         FR-HS            Tampa, FL                                                           Spoto HS

• Nickname is Jesse "Uno" Harden
• A unanimous three-star wide receiver
• Listed at No. 87 by 247Sports, No. 89 by Rivals and No. 93 in the country at his position
• Ranked 65th by 247Sports and 68th by Rivals among all players in the Sunshine State
• The 92nd-ranked recruit in Florida according to ESPN
• Chose the Rebels over a host of offers that included Syracuse, Miami, Penn State, Louisville, Kansas State and South Florida
• Hauled in 47 receptions for 2,311 during his Spartan career
• Set a school record with 55 total all-purpose TDs
• Filled the stat sheet as a senior at SHS, amassing 1,300 yards of total offense
• Rushed for 473 yards and seven TDs on the ground
• Went 26-for-47 on his pass attempts for 568 passing yards and five TDs
• As a junior with the Spartans, led the team with 37 receptions, 1,140 receiving yards and 19 TDs
• Averaged 103.6 yards per game and 30 yards per catch in 2024

RONNELL HEWITT JR.

LB               6-1          225              FR-HS            Los Angeles, CA         Chaminade College Prep

• A unanimous three-star inside linebacker
• ESPN lists him as the No. 44 inside linebacker in the nation
• Holds an overall player ranking of 103rd in the Golden State according to ESPN
• Picked the Rebels over Arizona among his list of FBS offers
• Doubled as a linebacker and running back four seasons at Chaminade HS
• Compiled 186 total tackles in his career, including 15 TFLs, three sacks and 88 solo stuffs
• A superb athlete, he rushed for 2,611 yards and 41 TDs in 45 career games with the Eagles
• Reached the CIF Southern Section semifinals twice

SKYLAR LENDSEY-VANN

RB               5-11           190                  FR-HS            Los Angeles, CA                         Western HS

• A unanimous three-star running back
• Ranked No. 109 by Rivals, No. 113 by ESPN and No. 117 by 247Sports in the country at RB
• Lettered one season at Western HS
• Rushed for 955 yards and four TDs on 117 carries as a senior
• Averaged 8.2 yards per carry, 86.8 yards per game
• Eclipsed the 100-yard mark in three games
• Proved a threat in the passing game out of the backfield, recording 35 receptions for 484 yards and two TDs
• Finished the year with 1,439 all-purpose yards, including 130.8 per game
• Helped lead the Pioneers to the Division 4 CIF Southern Section playoffs

DARIEN LEWIS

S       6-0        205         FR-HS                Amarillo, TX                                                  Palo Duro HS

• A unanimous three-star safety
• Ranked the No. 103 safety in the country by ESPN
• Signs with the Rebels after flipping commitment from UNC
• Chose UNLV over other notable offers from Texas Tech, TCU, UCLA and Kansas State
• Lettered three years at Palo Duro HS, where he played with fellow Rebel signee Vern Blair
• Made Texas Football Conference 5A D2 state playoffs twice with the Dons
• Has made five INTs to go along with 122 total tackles in his career at PDHS

TYLEN MATHEWS

S                 6-0        185              FR-HS                     Lake Cormorant, MS       Lake Cormorant HS

• A unanimous three-star defensive back
• Listed as a top-50 prospect in Mississippi, including No. 32 on ESPN, No. 39 on Rivals and No. 41 on 247Sports
• Ranked 93rd in the country at his position by ESPN
• Signs with the Rebels over offers from Purdue, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Arkansas, Auburn and Missouri among others
• Lettered two years at Lake Cormorant HS
• Made two trips to the Mississippi 6A state playoffs with the Gators, including a semifinal appearance as a senior
• Tallied eight interceptions in his prep career
• Racked up 69 total tackles, including 55 solo takedowns and two TFLs
• A speedy athlete who also rushed for 2,401 yards on offense his final prep season
• Finished time at LCHS with over 3,600 all-purpose yards
• Recorded 31 rushing TDs, one TD reception and a kickoff return TD in 2025 alone
• Named the 2025 District 1 6A Player of the Year and to the All-District Team

JORDAN NJOKU

ILB        6-3        230         FR-HS            Los Angeles, CA                                         Culver City HS

• One of the nation's top-rated linebacker recruits and unanimous three-star prospect
• Ranked No. 26 by Rivals, No. 36 by ESPN and No. 95 by 247Sports nationally at his position
• The 36th-ranked prospect via Rivals as well as 89th-ranked player on 247 Sports and ESPN in the Golden State
• Originally committed to New Mexico before flipping to UNLV
• A three-year letterwinner at Culver City HS
• Made 279 total tackles in his prep career, including 35 TFLs and six sacks
• Tallied over 100 tackles in each of his final two seasons, tallying 141 as a junior and 102 as a senior
• Grabbed two career interceptions
• In his time with the Centaurs, helped lead the team to the CIF Southern Section semifinals as a sophomore and the quarterfinals as a junior
• Doubled as a linebacker and tight end
• A three-sport athlete who also played basketball and ran track at CCHS

DEMARI NUNLEY

WR       6-3        195         FR-HS            Los Angeles, CA              St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy

• A unanimous three-star wide receiver
• Ranked the No. 98 player in California according to Rivals
• A top-200 ranking as an athlete rated 178th by 247Sports
• Rated among the top-200 WRs in the country
• Chose UNLV over Washington and North Carolina among offers
• Lettered two seasons at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy
• As a senior, scored 14 TDs, racked up three INTs, seven PBUs and 40 tackles
• Ended 2025 season with a trip to the Division 6 CIF Southern Section semifinals
• Reached the Division 4-A CIF state championship game with the Warriors

CAMERON PARODI

S                 6-2        200                         FR-HS                 Milton, GA                       Cambridge HS       

• Lettered three seasons at Cambridge HS
• Chose the Rebels over Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State among others
• Racked up 198 total tackles in his career, including 7.5 TFLs and one sack
• Finished career with two INTs, two force fumbles and five PBUs
• Reached the GHSA Class 4A state playoffs in all three seasons with the Bears, including a state semifinal appearance in 2024

POE PURCELL JR.

DL       6-3        310         FR-HS             Las Vegas, NV                                     Bishop Gorman HS

• A unanimous three-star defensive lineman
• Listed as the No. 9 player in Nevada by Rivals
• Also rated No. 13 by ESPN and No. 16 by 247Sports among Silver State prospects
• Ranked in the top 150 nationally at his position by Rivals and ESPN
• Chose the Rebels over Cal and Kansas State among others
• Played first two seasons at local Eldorado HS before transferring to powerhouse Bishop Gorman HS for his senior season
• Helped lead the Gaels to their fifth consecutive state title and an 11-1 record in 2025
• Recorded 65 tackles as a senior, including 28 TFLs and five sacks to go along with 20 QB hurries

ELI SANCHEZ

OL               6-3        290              FR-HS                     Sandusky, OH                               Perkins HS

• A unanimous three-star interior offensive lineman
• Ranked No. 81 in the nation at his position by ESPN
• Holds Ohio player rankings of 50th on ESPN, 74th on 247Sports and 79th on Rivals
• A top-130 IOL, including 108th according to 247Sports and 130th according to Rivals
• Chose UNLV over Virginia Tech among several other FBS offers
• Lettered four years at Perkins HS
• Won a OHSAA Region 14 Championship in 2024 with his 14-2 Pirates
• Blocked for a Perkins squad that finished with an undefeated Sandusky Bay-Lake league record every season of his career
• Also played snaps on the defensive line
• Earned First Team NW District Lineman honors

ZACH SCOTT

OL               6-5        295              FR-HS                     Henderson, NV                                     Coronado HS

• A local product out of Coronado HS
• Helped the Cougars to the 5A state semifinals as a junior

BRYCE WATERS

DL               6-4        315              FR-HS                    Tampa, FL                       Carrollwood Day HS

• A three-star defensive tackle according to ESPN and 247Sports
• Ranked No. 157 in the country at his position by ESPN
• Signed with the Rebels over Ole Miss and Pittsburgh among other offers
• Played defensive and offensive tackle at Carrollwood Day HS
• Has helped lead his CDHS squad to a 12-0 record and a trip to the FHSAA state semifinals this season
• Has totaled 59 tackles in three seasons with the Patriots, including 38 TFLs and 2.5 sacks

MALIK WHITE

IOL              6-5        315              FR-HS      Rancho Cucamonga, CA        Rancho Cucamonga HS

• A unanimous three-star interior offensive lineman
• Rated the No. 35 IOL in the nation by ESPN
• The 87th-ranked IOL in the country according to 247ports
• Holds player rankings of No. 44 on ESPN, No. 74 on 247Sports and No. 84 on Rivals in the Golden State
• Signed with Rebels over Utah, Louisville, Illinois and Syracuse among other offers
• Flipped commitment from San Diego State to UNLV
• Lettered four years at Rancho Cucamonga HS
• The Cougars ranked in the top 30 in the state three times in his career, including 21st his sophomore year, 23rd his freshman season and 29th as a senior
• Blocked for a RCHS squad that went unbeaten in Baseline league play in 2025
• Made the Division II CIF Southern Section playoffs each season with the Cougars
• Served as team captain

PEYTON ZACHARY

WR       5-8        170         FR-HS                                    Atlanta, GA                          Carrollton HS

• A unanimous three-star wide receiver
• Rated the No. 161 player by Rivals and No. 165 prospect by 247Sports in Georgia
• Also stands among the top-250 WR recruits in the nation according to Rivals 247Sports
• Chose UNLV over notable offers from Georgia, Indiana, Ole Miss, Tennessee, UCF, Tulane, Pittsburgh, Purdue and Missouri
• Earned four varsity letters at Carrollton HS
• Surpassed 700 receiving yards in each of his four seasons at CHS
• Racked up 250 career receptions for 3,469 yards and 37 TDs
• Had a career-high 969 receiving yards in 2024
• Snagged 10-plus TDs all three of his final years at Carrollton, including career-best 11 in 2025
• Tallied 77 receptions and 78 catches during junior and senior seasons, respectively
• Amassed 4,218 all-purpose yards in his career after also being featured in the return game
• Has helped the Trojans to a 52-4 overall record, including a current 13-0 mark during the 2025 season
• Has advanced with his CHS squads to the GHSA Class 7A state semifinals for the third time as a senior
• Has reached the state championship game twice