College football�s Week 0 spotlight belongs toMemphis at UNLV.The Tigers and Rebels meet for the first time at Allegiant Stadium, with kickoff set for 10 p.m.
J’Mond Tapp followed Huff from Southern Miss after piling up 7.5 sacks and earning first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2025.Now he gets the first chance to set the edge for a Memphis defense featuring plenty of new faces.The matchup puts him directly in the path of UNLV’s biggest strength: a rushing attack led by 1,000-yard back Jai’Den Thomas.If Tapp wins on early downs and makes the Rebels play from behind the sticks, he can simplify the night for the Tigers’ rebuilt defense.Memphis needs disruption up front, and Tapp is built to provide it.
Jai’Den Thomas is the engine of the UNLV offense until somebody proves otherwise.He ran for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while averaging 7.0 yards per carry, then added 39 catches for 237 yards and another score.That all-around production makes him a tough opening assignment for a Memphis defense assembled largely through the transfer portal.Thomas can punish a missed fit between the tackles or turn a short throw into a chunk play.If he gets rolling early, the Rebels can keep their quarterbacks in comfortable situations and make Memphis chase the game.
Jake Pope gives UNLV an experienced organizer on the back end against a Memphis offense full of new personnel.The senior safety finished 2025 with 81 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and five pass breakups.His value Saturday goes beyond the box score.Pope has to identify formations, keep explosive plays in check and make sure the Rebels tackle cleanly in space.If he sees the Tigers’ plan quickly, UNLV can force Memphis to earn every yard instead of handing the new-look offense easy momentum in the first game of the Huff era.