UNLV football ranked in Top 25 for first time in program history
AP Photo
Members of UNLV run onto the field after a 23-20 win over Kansas during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 | 11:13 a.m.
The undefeated UNLV football team continues to climb the charts.
Barry Odom’s squad made program history on Sunday by entering the Coaches Top 25 Poll, checking in at No. 25. It marks the first time UNLV has been ranked in either the Coaches Poll or the AP Top 25.
The Scarlet and Gray are currently 3-0 with two impressive road wins over Big 12 opponents, including Friday’s 23-20 victory at Kansas.
AP voters are slightly more skeptical, unofficially ranking UNLV No. 29 behind three teams in the Others Receiving Votes category.
UNLV missed the cut for last week’s polls, but has been trending upward since preseason. In the AP Poll they accumulated seven points, appearing in the Others Receiving Votes section and unofficially ranking No. 38. In the Coaches Poll, they came in higher at No. 34.
The 2024 campaign is shaping up to be an historic one for the program. In addition to the rankings debut, Odom has the Scarlet and Gray positioned for a run at the College Football Playoffs. Several prognosticators have had them penciled in for the Group of 5 playoff spot since Week 1, and according to ESPN’s playoff projections, UNLV has an 18.0% chance of making the 12-team field. That places the Scarlet and Gray fourth among Group of 5 teams, behind UCF (37.4%), Boise State (24.3%) and Memphis (22.0%).
UNLV and Boise State face off at Allegiant Stadium on Oct. 26, and could meet again if both teams make the Mountain West championship game.
Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.