Young UNLV Defensive Line Struggles Against Run
Watch the Rebels' front seven Saturday against Wyoming at Allegiant Stadium, where the rushing matchup could decide the game.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Local fans heading to Allegiant Stadium on Saturday will see a UNLV defense that has given up the second-most rushing yards in the Mountain West. Four freshmen and a sophomore are in the two-deep on the defensive line for the Wyoming game.
Why it matters
The Rebels still control their own path to a Mountain West title and possibly hosting a game, but the run defense has been the weak spot. Air Force and Northern Illinois both ran through the middle, and the staff is betting that a young front learns the physical demands of college football quickly enough to turn it around.
Air Force ran for 430 yards at 6.9 per carry against UNLV, and Northern Illinois ran for 240 yards at 6.3 per carry. UNLV now ranks second in the Mountain West in rushing yards allowed, and the season-long totals and full league table were not part of the source.
The players
UNLV Rebels
The UNLV football program, whose young defensive line is under scrutiny after allowing the second-most rushing yards in the Mountain West.
Ricky Logo
UNLV defensive line coach who said young players tend to play timidly against much bigger opponents.
Cohen Fuller
UNLV defensive lineman who is ineligible under an NCAA ruling after starting four games last season.
The details
Four freshmen and a sophomore are included on UNLV's two-deep defensive line for the Wyoming game on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium. Ricky Logo said young players become timid when facing opponents as big as they are, which he sees as part of why opposing backs have found running room. Cohen Fuller, who played in all 14 games last season and started four, is ineligible under an NCAA ruling, leaving the line thinner than the staff wanted.
Timeline
Saturday: UNLV hosts Wyoming at Allegiant Stadium.
Beyond the Strip
UNLV's run defense is being measured against the Mountain West's own rushing totals, the same yardstick the conference uses each week. The problem is not new to this season's stat sheet, but the freshmen-heavy front is the first real test of whether the program can build depth fast enough.
If you are heading to Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, expect the run game to be the key matchup to watch from the stands. A stronger front seven would shorten the drives that have been stalling for opponents.
The takeaway
The run defense is the number to watch, because a young line can improve quickly once it gets comfortable with college size. Track the rushing totals against Wyoming on Saturday to see whether the freshmen are closing the gap.
What happens next
UNLV hosts Wyoming on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium, a game the Rebels still need to keep their Mountain West title hopes alive.
Further reading
For more on the team, check the Football section for the Rebels' schedule, roster and coverage of the Mountain West race.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
