UNLV looks to close season strong against Ohio in Frisco Bowl

UNLV (10-3) vs. Ohio (8-4)

Location: Ford Center at the Star, Frisco, Texas

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Broadcast: ESPN

Lines: UNLV -6.5, O/U 66.5

After facing a third straight disappointment in the Mountain West Championship against Boise State, UNLV is playing in a bowl game for the third consecutive season, taking on the Ohio Bobcats in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. 

UNLV

Surprisingly, there are zero opt-outs for UNLV in this upcoming bowl game, which gives reason for excitement for the Rebels. The offense is led by Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who led the Mountain West Conference in passing yards with 3,275. Colandrea also has 23 passing touchdowns, 621 rushing yards, and nine rushing touchdowns. 

The running back core is led by Jai’Den Thomas, who ran for 985 rushing yards this season, third in the Mountain West Conference, earning him All-Mountain West First Team honors. This season, Thomas became the second Rebel to have two four-touchdown rushing games in a career, and he set a school record for receptions in a game by a running back with 11 catches against New Mexico. Thomas is paired up with running backs Keyvone Lee and Jaylon Glover. Lee had 433 rushing yards this season, while Glover had 379. 

Wide receiver Jaden Bradley leads the expansive receiver room for UNLV, being named Second Team All-Mountain West. Bradley has 869 receiving yards this season, placing him fourth in the Mountain West, as well as having four receiving touchdowns. Bradley also has a passing touchdown this season. Wide receiver DaeDae Reynolds was named Honorable Mention All-Mountain West, having 470 receiving yards and five touchdowns this season. Wide receiver Troy Omeire caught a touchdown in the Mountain West Championship game for his fifth of the season, and he also has 505 receiving yards.

The defense is headlined by linebacker Marsel McDuffie, who leads the team in tackles with 103 total tackles. UNLV’s defense had struggled throughout the season, but dialed it in during the final month of the regular season. The defense gave up on average 28.8 points per game.

OHIO

Another surprise is that Ohio will also have no opt-outs. Because of this, quarterback Parker Navarro will be leading the charge for the Bobcats offensively. Navarro finished the season with 2,232 passing yards, the fifth-best mark in the MAC, and 14 passing touchdowns. Navarro is Ohio’s No. 6 all-time passer with 4,736 passing yards. Navarro is a weapon on the ground as well, with 843 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.

Running back Sieh Bangura is a top 15 rusher in the country, with 1,243 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Bangura is phenomenal, finishing with 100+ yard games in five of his last six. 

The expansive receiver room is led by wide receiver Chase Hendricks, who has 950 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on the season. He has 67 receptions, which is second in the MAC. Hendricks has six 100+ yard games this season. Another key receiver is wide receiver Rodney Harris II, who has 388 receiving yards. Tight ends are also crucial for the Bobcats, with Jake Bruno and Mason Williams combining for five touchdowns and 399 yards. 

Ohio’s defense gives up 22.9 points and 210 passing yards per game, both ranked about in the top 50 in the nation. Defensive back Jalen Thomeson leads the defense with 80 total tackles, 38 of them being solo tackles. Defensive lineman Anas Luqman has four sacks this season, a threat on blitzes.

KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Anthony Colandrea has to be Colandrea

This game will run through Colandrea. Ohio’s defense is solid, and if UNLV’s offensive line can give Colandrea time in the pocket to either make a good throw or break free for a run, it can put pressure on the Bobcats’ defense. 

2. Slow down, Bangura

Bangura is an excellent running back and one of the most productive in the country. UNLV’s defense has to be disciplined up front to be able to slow him down. Limiting Bangura is a difference maker in this game. 

3. Set the Tone

With no opt-outs for UNLV, this is a way to end the season on a high note. Making a statement is something that the Rebels want to do. If they set the tone, start fast, and play with urgency from the get, the Rebels will be able to win this game.

PREDICTIONS

UNLV is the most complete team, and I think UNLV will win this game 38-27 and end the season on a high note.