Dan Mullen In No Rush To Name QB1?

With the season fast approaching, UNLV head coach Dan Mullen is in no rush to name his starting quarterback. Junior transfers Anthony Colandrea (Virginia) and Alex Orji (Michigan) are both making strong cases for playing time, and Mullen says the competition could extend well into the regular season.

“Both are doing a good job,” Mullen said. “Not even close to (naming a starter). Maybe the second or third or fourth game. I don’t even know.”

While an extended quarterback battle can keep players motivated and ensure the best man ultimately wins the job, it also raises a question could delaying the decision create friction within the offense?

A starting quarterback is often the de facto leader of a football team, setting the tone in the huddle and developing chemistry with skill position players. Without a defined leader going into Week 1, timing, rhythm, and communication could suffer, especially for a UNLV offense already dealing with major turnover and a rebuilt offensive line.