LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Coming off three consecutive bowl trips and a trio of conference championship game appearances, UNLV football earned 15 positions on the 2026 Preseason All-Mountain West teams announced by Phil Steele.
 
Running back Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas, who enters his senior season ranked eighth in school history in career rushing yards (2,457) and fifth in rushing touchdowns (31), was a member of the First Team along with senior offensive lineman Austin Boyd, who moved down the line this spring to the center spot, senior safety Jake Pope and new Rebel Avery Helm, a cornerback who previously played at Florida and TCU.
 
Four Rebels were named to Phil Steele's Second Team. Offensively, quarterback Jackson Arnold (transfer from Auburn) and wide receiver Taeshaun Lyons, joined newcomer offensive tackle Jackson Brown (Pitt). On defense, lineman Lucas Conti returns as a team leader up front.
 
Another UNLV quartet made the Third Team: returning junior linebacker Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu, junior defensive end Landen Thomas, junior kicker Ramon Villela and new senior tight end Keyan Burnett (Arizona).
 
The Fourth Team included sophomore wide receiver Kayden "Big Play" McGee, fifth-year defensive tackle Cohen Fuller and new senior linebacker Cam Santee (Holy Cross).
 
Under the direction of second-year head coach Dan Mullen, the Rebels will kick off their 59th season of football August 29 by hosting Memphis in a highly anticipated Week Zero national matchup on FOX TV.  
 
Season tickets and mini-plans for the six-game 2026 home schedule are available now by visiting unlvtickets.com or calling (702) 739-FANS (3267). Single-game tickets will go on sale July 8.
For information on all-inclusive VIP club seats or suites at Allegiant Stadium, contact the Premium Sales office at premiumseating@unlv.edu or by calling (702) 739-FANS (3267).
 
UNLV PLAYERS – PHIL STEELE'S 2026 PRESEASON ALL-MW
FIRST TEAM
Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas, RB
Austin Boyd, C
Avery Helm, CB
Jake Pope, S
 
SECOND TEAM
Jackson Arnold, QB
Taeshaun Lyons, WR
Jackson Brown, OT
Lucas Conti, DL
 
THIRD TEAM
Keyan Burnett, TE
Landen Thomas, DE
Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu, LB
Ramon Villela, PK
 
FOURTH TEAM
Kayden "Big Play" McGee, WR
Cohen Fuller, DT
Cam Santee,