Rebel Daily Drive 6.26.2026 | Which UNLV Players Need to Break Out in 2026?

UNLV football has star power entering 2026, but the Rebels’ ceiling may depend on which returning players and transfers take the next step.On this episode of Rebel Daily Drive, Mike Cooper breaks down the UNLV players who could make the biggest leap this season. Jackson Arnold and Jai’Den Thomas will get plenty of attention, but this episode focuses on the players around them who could determine how far the Rebels go.The conversation starts with the wide receiver room, where Taeshaun Lyons and Kayden McGee have a chance to become bigger pieces in Dan Mullen’s offense. Lyons showed flashes as a deep threat last season, while McGee brings versatility, gadget-play ability and special teams value.Mike also looks at the running back room behind Jai’Den Thomas, including Jaylon Glover, Darrien Jones and Kamran Williams. With Kayvon Lee gone, UNLV needs someone to step into that No. 2 running back role and give the offense reliable production when Thomas needs a breather.Defensively, the episode dives into the secondary and linebacker group, including Quandarius Keyes, Mumu Bin-Wahad, Denver Harris, Avery Helm, Cam Santee and Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu. UNLV’s defense has to be better in 2026, and several veterans have a chance to become major pieces under Paul Guenther and Mike Scherer.The episode closes with offensive lineman Will Thomas and why his development could matter in a big way for protecting Jackson Arnold or Alex Orji and helping UNLV build one of the best offenses in the Mountain West.Drop your pick in the comments: which UNLV player do you think makes the biggest jump in 2026?This episode is brought to you by Vegas Varsity. Use promo code SSM10 for 10% off.Follow Scarlet Standard Media:Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ss_medialvX: https://x.com/SS_MediaLVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577609316045#UNLV #UNLVFootball #RebelDailyDrive #ScarletStandard #DanMullen #CollegeFootball #MountainWest #JaiDenThomas #JacksonArnold #VegasSports