UNLV at Hawai'i

The decisive matchup is Hawai‘i’s passing game against UNLV’s linebackers and secondary. If Alejado gets the call, his pairing with Pofele Ashlock—76 catches, 827 yards and eight touchdowns last season—can test a Rebels defense that must tackle cleanly in space and prevent routine completions from becoming explosives. Jake Pope remains on UNLV’s roster after making 80 tackles in 2025, giving the Rebels a player with recent tackling production for that response. The pressure also falls on UNLV’s front, potentially including Tennessee transfer Herb Gray, to disrupt the timing before Hawai‘i’s receivers can work into favorable matchups.

UNLV’s clearest path is to let Jai’Den Thomas set the terms. He topped 1,000 rushing yards in 2025 and also caught 38 passes, while Jaylon Glover remains on the roster after adding 384 rushing yards. A steady ground game can keep the quarterback menu manageable, limit obvious passing downs and reduce Hawai‘i’s opportunities. Hawai‘i can control the night in the opposite fashion: protect its quarterback, get Ashlock involved early and use Cam Barfield’s run-and-catch versatility to keep UNLV from settling into one answer. Whichever side dictates down-to-down pace without asking its unsettled quarterback picture to carry the entire plan should own the game’s shape.