Memphis vs. UNLV Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 0

The Memphis Tigers' 2025 season didn't end how they wanted it to, losing four straight games to close out the year, including their bowl game to NC State, which resulted in a 31-7 loss.

They'll begin their 2026 campaign against the UNLV Rebels in an American vs. Mountain West showdown.

The Mountain West is now wide open for the taking this season, with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State leaving the conference for the Pac-12. Meanwhile, UTEP, North Dakota State, and Northern Illinois have joined the conference.

UNLV came up short against Boise State in the conference championship game, but maybe now they can get over the hump with the Broncos out of the way.

Let's dive into the odds and my best bet for this Week 0 showdown.

Memphis vs. UNLV Odds, Spread, and Total

Odds via Caesars Sportsbook

Spread

Memphis +5.5 (-107)
UNLV -5.5 (-113)

Moneyline

Memphis +187
UNLV -230

Total

OVER 57.5 (-106)
UNDER 57.5 (-115)

Memphis vs. UNLV How to Watch

Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Allegiant Stadium
How to Watch (TV): FOX
Memphis record: 0-0
UNLV record: 0-0

Memphis vs. UNLV Betting Trends

Memphis is 5-5 against the spread in its last 10 games
The OVER is 6-4 in Memphis's last 10 games
UNLV is 4-6 against the spread in its last 10 games
The UNDER is 6-4 in UNLV's last 10 games

Memphis vs. UNLV Key Player to Watch

Jai'Den Thomas, RB - UNLV

Jai'Den Thomas was sixth in the nation last year in yards per carry amongst running backs with 80+ carries, averaging 7.2 yards per rush while racking up 985 total rushing yards in the regular season. He also found the end zone 12 times, which was tied for the 29th-best mark in the country. He's back at UNLV for his senior season, and you can expect the Rebels' offense to revolve around him.

Memphis vs. UNLV Prediction and Best Bet

These two teams had two of the best rushing attacks in the nation last year. Jai'Den Thomas is back for UNLV, and while Sutton Smith has moved on from Memphis, Dallan Hayden has come to the team through the transfer portal. He rushed for 4.7 yards per carry with Colorado last season. More importantly, the Tigers are bringing back their quarterback, Brendon Lewis, who rushed for 665 yards last season.

While there's plenty of turnover for both teams compared to last year's rosters, it's worth noting that Memphis was far better at defending the run, ranking 18th in the country in opponent EPA per rush. Meanwhile, UNLV had one of the worst run defenses in the nation, ranking 127th in opponent EPA per rush.

There's enough there for Memphis, especially on the defensive side of the ball, that I think they're the right side to bet on as road underdogs in Week 0.

Pick: Memphis +5.5 (-107) via Caesars

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