UNLV Football Sees Players Leave in Waves, New Coach Dan Mullen Faces Major Rebuild
UNLV football received a brutal hit when twenty players left for the transfer portal after coach Barry Odom’s move to Purdue and Dan Mullen’s hiring on December 12. The team…
Dan Mullen speaks as he is introduced as UNLV’s new head football coach during a news conference at UNLV’s Fertitta Football Complex on December 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo by Ethan Miller via Getty ImagesThe offensive line needs a complete overhaul after losing all the starting offensive linemen and most returning pass catchers. The quarterback spot is now empty after Hajj-Malik Williams decided to leave.
On offense, Jai'Den Thomas is the only one who stayed. The talented running back, who ran for 918 yards and scored seven touchdowns, watches as his teammates leave. Even young talent Greg Burrell entered the transfer portal.
The UNLV defense fell apart when Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Jackson Woodard left. Then Fisher Camac, the sophomore defensive end who racked up 7.5 sacks, decided to go, too.
Star linebackers Charles Correa and Mani Powell might join Odom at Purdue. Both entered the portal this week.
Special teams also suffered a loss. Junior punter Marshall Nichols and freshman kicker Caden Chittenden look to transfer, creating another hole to fill.
But there's some good news. Mullen secured former Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea, bringing his strong numbers - 4,083 passing yards and 26 touchdowns - to Las Vegas.
With the December 28 transfer deadline approaching, Mullen's staff is racing to find players. At least Mullen knows how to win - he posted a strong 103-61 record over 13 years at Florida and Mississippi State. His five-season deal with UNLV marks a new chapter for the program.
