UNLV vs. Ohio Prediction: Frisco Bowl Preview

Why UNLV Will Win The Frisco Bowl

In a matchup where plenty of points are expected, UNLV has the overall edge in firepower. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea has shined in Mullen’s offense, averaging 299.7 total yards a contest. The Virginia transfer is the catalyst behind a Rebels’ attack that ranks No. 9 nationally in success rate.

Ohio can’t only focus on stopping Colandrea, as Mullen and UNLV have assembled a deep group of skill players. Running back Jai’Den Thomas is on the cusp of a 1,000-yard season (985 yards), with Colandrea (621), Keyvone Lee (433), and Jaylon Glover (379) poised to pound away on the ground against an Ohio defense that allowed 147.9 rushing yards per game. And when Colandrea looks downfield, Jaden Bradley (54 catches for 869 yards), Troy Omeire (30), and DaeDae Reynolds (32) are an athletic and dynamic group of playmakers to attack a Bobcats secondary that ranked 11th in the MAC in pass efficiency defense.

UNLV’s defense has been a liability this year, but this unit did show some progress in November. After giving up 6.3 yards per play to opponents in August/September and 7.2 in October, the Rebels allowed 5.6 in November. This group also held four of their last five opponents under 30 points. A couple of timely stops could be the difference in this game.

Why Ohio Will Win The Frisco Bowl

Although UNLV’s offense is just a bit better on the stat sheet, Ohio’s attack isn’t far behind and will allow Hauser’s team to keep pace in a high-scoring affair on Tuesday night.

Quarterback Parker Navarro led the MAC in total offense per game (255.9), ranked second on the Bobcats in rushing yards (839), and collected 22 overall scores in '25. If the Bobcats are going to pull off the upset, Navarro needs a massive performance on the ground and through the air. Although time of possession isn’t necessarily the best indicator of the quality of teams or ability to win, Ohio ranked 17th nationally in this category. If Navarro and running back Sieh Bangura (1,243 rushing yards) can get on track against a UNLV defense ranked 11th in the Mountain West against the run, they can control the pace of the game and help to keep Mullen’s high-powered attack on the sidelines.

UNLV’s secondary tied for the most touchdown passes allowed (23) in the Mountain West this season, which should allow receivers Chase Hendricks (67 catches for 950 yards) and Rodney Harris II (27) and tight end Mason Williams (24) plenty of opportunities on Tuesday night.

Ohio’s defense had its share of issues throughout the '25 season, but Hauser’s group also stepped up in MAC play. In eight conference matchups, the Bobcats allowed just 19.9 points a contest and 5.3 yards a play. This unit also thrived at getting off the field on third downs and led the MAC at preventing touchdowns once teams entered the red zone. Considering the offensive firepower on both sidelines, and with a tight game anticipated, Ohio’s edge on defense or ability to get a few more stops could swing this game in its favor. 

Frisco Bowl Prediction: UNLV 38, Ohio 31

Ohio's coaching turmoil is a major concern here, but Navarro and Bangura pounding away on UNLV's suspect rush defense is also a concern. The Rebels will struggle to get stops at times, but Colandrea makes a couple big plays in the second half to lift UNLV to a close victory.