LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) –UNLV football led the way with 19 total spots on Athlon Sports' Preseason 2026 Mountain West All-Conference teams announced this week.
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, along with returning defensive lineman
Lucas Conti.
Five Rebels were named to Athlon's Second Team: quarterback
Jackson Arnold (transfer from Auburn) and wide receiver
Taeshaun Lyons, joined newcomer tight end
Keyan Burnett (Arizona), returning safety
Jake Pope and junior kicker
Ramon Villela.
Another UNLV quintet – all returning from 2025's squad -- made the Third Team: receiver
Kayden "Big Play" McGee, offensive lineman
Will Thomas, linebacker
Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu, defensive end
Landen Thomas and cornerback
Denver Harris.
The Fourth Team included another Rebel running back,
Jaylon Glover, new offensive lineman
Jackson Brown (Pitt), defensive tackle
Cohen Fuller and new senior linebacker
Cam Santee (Holy Cross) and a pair of cornerbacks –
Quandarius Keyes and newcomer
Avery Helm (TCU).
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 – ATHLON SPORTS 2026 PRESEASON ALL-MW
FIRST TEAM
Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas, RB
Austin Boyd, C
Lucas Conti, DL
SECOND TEAM
Jackson Arnold, QB
Taeshaun Lyons, WR
Keyan Burnett, TE
Jake Pope, S
Ramon Villela, PK
THIRD TEAM
Kayden "Big Play" McGee, WR
Will Thomas, OL
Landen Thomas, DE
Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu, LB
Denver Harris, CB
FOURTH TEAM
Jaylon Glover, RB
Jackson Brown, OL
Cohen Fuller, DL
Cam Santee, LB
Avery Helm, CB
Quandarius Keyes, CB
