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Justin Flowe Is Gambling On Himself At UNLV

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 2:56 PM ET

Once a can’t miss prospect, Justin Flowe’s football career has been defined as much by what could have been as what has been. Now, the former five star linebacker has landed at UNLV, ready to trade the weight of past expectations for the grit of a fresh start.

Flowe burst onto the scene at Oregon in 2020 as one of the most highly recruited defenders in the country, boasting a rare combination of size, speed, and aggression. But injuries derailed his time with the Ducks a torn meniscus in his debut and a broken foot the following season robbed him of precious development. A transfer to Arizona in 2023 offered a second chance, but while flashes of his sideline to sideline explosiveness remained, he never fully regained the dominant form that made him a prep legend in California.

⁦Asked LB @justin_flowe⁩ if he’s excited to play ⁦@AllegiantStadm⁩ and this was his reaction ⁦@unlvfootball⁩ #UNLVFB pic.twitter.com/HJdqdtdyQ2

— Tony Cordasco (@TonyDasco) August 5, 2025

Last shot at redemption

That sets the stage for his third act in Las Vegas one he hopes will finally match the hype. The Rebels, coming off a Mountain West title game appearance, are banking on Flowe’s raw ability and veteran mindset to boost their defense.

This fall, Flowe finds himself in a heated battle with Bryce Edmondson and Kamuela Ka’Aihue for a starting linebacker spot alongside Marsel McDuffie. For Flowe, winning the job isn’t just about playing time it’s about proving he can be more than a cautionary tale.

Justin Flowe will be playing in his third different defense during his college career. It’s on him to become familiar with his new defense so he can play fast and do what he does best, and that’s attack. If he’s able to accomplish those things, then you’re going to see what had people saying that he was a generational talent at linebacker.

Unanimously revered as the best linebacker prospect that has come out of California in over the last 10 years. The last linebacker prospect that was as great as Justin Flowe was Vontez Burfict. Coincidently Burfict just got hired by UNLV as an defensive analyst. Flowe making his move to Las Vegas, understands how big of a gamble it is. But it seems like he is well up for the challenge.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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