Week 0 closes with Memphis traveling to Las Vegas for the first meeting in program history against UNLV.
The Rebels enter as 4.5-point home favorites with a total of 56.5, but my Memphis vs. UNLV prediction sees Charles Huff's new-look roster creating problems immediately.
Check out all of our college football picks for the opening weekend.
TOP PICK
Memphis vs UNLV prediction: Memphis +4.5 (51%)
The Memphis Tigers are one of the teams drawing some steam as we near closer to kickoff and I agree with that assessment. I'd play the Tigers down to +3.5 and will firmly put myself in the camp of a believer in new head coach Charles Huff.
The UNLV Rebels 10-win season last year masked a defense that ranked 119th in adjusted EPA/play and 127th in EPA/rush allowed.
That is where new Memphis offensive coordinator Kevin Decker wants to attack after directing an Old Dominion offense that finished 14th nationally in total offense behind a strong ground game.
There's risk with nearly 22 new starters, but Huff imported 12 key players from Southern Miss, giving this rebuild more continuity than the turnover suggests.
UNLV also replaces Anthony Colandrea and most of its receiving production while planning to use both Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji.
I'll take 4.5 points with Memphis attacking UNLV's biggest defensive weakness that I'm not sure has been fixed.
COVERS INTEL: UNLV ranked 119th in adjusted defensive EPA/play last season despite holding opponents to a 33% third-down conversion rate, suggesting its down-to-down defensive performance was much weaker than that third-down number indicates.
Memphis vs UNLV same-game parlay (SGP)
I like points in this one as both teams have clear paths to scoring with more questions on defense for both sides.
Memphis should be able to establish Dallan Hayden against a questionable UNLV front and a productive rushing night gives Memphis the best chance to both cover and contribute to the total.
The Rebels should be able to score too. As you expect, the Dan Mullen led offense was effective and finished 12th nationally in EPA/play and eighth in EPA/rush, with Jai'Den Thomas back after producing 993 rushing yards at 6.94 yards per carry against FBS opponents.
Memphis vs UNLV SGP
- Memphis +4.5
- Over 56.5
- Jai'Den Thomas Over 71.5 rushing yards
Memphis vs UNLV odds
For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Memphis +5.5 | UNLV -5.5
- Over/Under: Over 56.5 (49%) | Under 56.5 (51%)
- Moneyline: Memphis 37% | UNLV 64%
For the full slate of college football matchups, check out our college football odds board!
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Memphis vs UNLV weather
Temperatures should be comfortable and weather will have next to no impact on this game.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Memphis vs UNLV trend to know
Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games as an underdog.
How to watch Memphis vs UNLV
| Location | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date | Saturday, Aug.29, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Memphis vs UNLV latest injuries
Check out our college football injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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