LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Both returning starters for UNLV football earned a spot on the 2025 Preseason All-Mountain West Team, which was released Wednesday to kick off the league's annual Old Trapper Football Media Days being held at Circa Resort.
 
The Rebel duo came from both sides of the ball as junior running back Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas and senior linebacker Marsel McDuffie were part of this year's team.
 
Thomas, who already stands ninth in school history with 19 rushing touchdowns, led the team with 918 yards on the ground last season, added his first career receiving score and returned a kickoff 90 yards for a TD as well. The Atlanta native earned Second Team All-MW as a sophomore.
 
McDuffie is the Rebels' leading returning tackler both from last season and in a career. Shaking off an injury, the Grand Prairie, Texas, native played in nine games and recorded 46 tackles, including 7.5 tackles-for-loss, two quarterback sacks and four pass breakups for 11-3 UNLV.
 
Both players were earlier named Preseason All-MW by Athlon.
 
Under the direction of first-year head coach Dan Mullen, the Rebels will kick off their 58th season of football August 23 by hosting Idaho State in the earliest game in program history.
 
Season, single-game and three-game mini-plan tickets for the six-game 2025 home schedule are available by visiting unlvtickets.com or calling (702) 739-FANS (3267). For information on VIP premium club seats or suites at Allegiant Stadium, contact the Premium Sales office at premiumseating@unlv.edu or by calling (702) 739-FANS (3267).