UNLV vs Idaho State Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines: College Football 2025

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 2:21 AM ET

It's the first game of the Dan Mullen era at UNLV as he tries to keep the success of the Barry Odom era rolling.

It's been sort of forgotten over the last few years that the Rebels aren't used to being good at football. Before Odom won 20 games between 2023 and 2024, the program hadn't enjoyed a winning season since 2013, and that was it since 2000.

There are plenty of lost parts, lots of rebuilding to do, and now there are expectations. UNLV fans finally got to enjoy what a winning team looks like.

Idaho State isn't a total pushover. It lost to Oregon State 38-15 to start a 5-7 2024 season, but it returns a decent group of backs and. enough of a ground game to be more than just a paycheck game for the new look Rebels.

UNLV vs Idaho State Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

UNLV vs Idaho State How To Watch
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: Mountain West Network
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

Why Idaho State Will Win

UNLV is hardly a fully-formed team.

There's a reason why Idaho State is on the schedule to kick things off. The Rebels need a warm-up game to get the offensive line in place and find new playmakers on defense to replace stars like former linebacker Jackson Woodard and a slew of great defensive backs.

Idaho State is hardly loaded with rock-solid veterans, but Dason Brooks and the running backs are good, the offensive won't be awful, and ...

Why UNLV Will Win

The Bengals are replacing most of the parts in the passing game.

Last year's team needed to keep winging it around to keep up the pace, but it'll take a bit of time to get back up to speed.

No, UNLV will hardly be fully jelled on offense, but it'll be quick, the pace will be a problem, and the running game should tear off yards in chunks. Idaho State has several good defenders returning, but ...

UNLV vs Idaho State Who Will Win

There won't be any reason to get cute with this.

UNLV will get a huge game out of RB Jai'Den Thomas, likely starting quarterback Alex Orji will overcome a few early mistakes to find a groove early in the second quarter, and the transfers on the defensive front will take over in the second half.

It won't be smooth, but the offensive explosion will be enough to pull away without a ton of stress.

UNLV vs Idaho State Prediction, Betting Lines

UNLV 45, Idaho State 20
Consensus Line: UNLV -25.5, o/u: 63.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5
Must See Rating: 1.5

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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