UNLV to Host Utah for Basketball Exhibition October 7
The Rebels tip off against the Utes at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center as part of a three-game exhibition series.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball
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UNLV basketball fans heading to the Thomas & Mack Center on October 7 will see the Rebels host Utah for the first of three exhibition games this month. The matchup coincides with the Mountain West media days, which are being held simultaneously at the Palms Casino.
Why it matters
These exhibition games provide a look at the Rebels' squad against Power 4 opponents before the regular season begins. The team continues to face roster uncertainty, as Mississippi transfer AJ Storr remains ineligible to play following an August court ruling in Tennessee.
UNLV has scheduled 3 exhibition games against Power 4 teams this season. The team continues to navigate roster gaps following a Tennessee court ruling that left 19 individual plaintiffs, including transfer AJ Storr, ineligible.
The players
UNLV
The Las Vegas-based university hosting a series of exhibition games this October.
AJ Storr
A Mississippi transfer who remains ineligible to play following an August court ruling in Tennessee.
Utah
The visiting basketball program that finished last season with a 10-22 record.
The details
The Rebels will follow the Utah game with exhibitions against BYU on October 24 and Missouri on October 29. While BYU and Missouri are expected to enter the season with rankings, Utah enters following a challenging 10-22 campaign last year. The status of AJ Storr, who pledged to UNLV on August 18, remains unchanged as the legal proceedings continue.
Timeline
August 18, 2026: AJ Storr pledged his commitment to the UNLV program.
August 2026: A court ruling in Tennessee impacted the eligibility of 19 athletes.
October 7, 2026: UNLV hosts Utah at 7 p.m. and Mountain West media days occur.
October 24, 2026: UNLV hosts an exhibition game against BYU.
Beyond the Strip
This situation follows the pattern set by the ongoing legal challenges to NCAA transfer eligibility rules, which continues to impact player availability for programs across the country. The case marks a departure from standard internal athletic department roster management.
Fans planning to attend the game at the Thomas & Mack Center on October 7 should arrive early for the 7 p.m. tip-off. Commuters should be aware of increased activity around the arena during the Mountain West media days taking place at the Palms Casino.
The takeaway
Keep an eye on the outcome of the ongoing Tennessee court case to see if AJ Storr becomes eligible before the regular season begins. Fans can mark their calendars for the upcoming home exhibitions against BYU and Missouri as the team prepares for conference play.
Further reading
For more on the Rebels' upcoming season and roster updates, visit Basketball.
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