UNLV Football Roster: A Tale of Retentions and Departures
In the competitive world of college football recruiting, the NCAA’s transfer portal plays a pivotal role in shaping team rosters. And for the UNLV Rebels, the portal has been a hive of activity, with players coming and going in a bid to secure their futures on the gridiron.
The Shifting Landscape
One such player who made headlines recently is All-American punt returner Jacob De Jesus. With the deadline looming, De Jesus threw his hat into the transfer portal, signaling a potential change in his college football journey. A standout performer for the Rebels, De Jesus is exploring his options, including a potential move to Purdue, following the departure of former UNLV coach Barry Odom.
De Jesus’ decision underscores the fluid nature of college football rosters, especially in light of the NCAA’s new ruling granting former junior college players an extra year of eligibility. While there is a possibility of De Jesus returning to UNLV, the allure of new opportunities at Purdue looms large.
Key Additions and Losses
As the Rebels navigate the ebb and flow of the transfer portal, they have also welcomed new faces to their roster. Tight end Var’Keyes Gumms from Arkansas and Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea are among the notable additions, bringing fresh talent and potential to the team.
However, with every gain comes a loss, and UNLV has bid farewell to several players who have found new homes at different universities. From tight ends to offensive linemen, the Rebels have seen significant departures, reshaping the team dynamics for the upcoming season.
Retaining Talent
Amidst the flurry of activity in the transfer portal, some players have chosen to stay put and continue their journey with the Rebels. Defensive back Jalen Catalon and senior quarterback Cameron Friel are among those who have opted to remain in Las Vegas, showing a commitment to the team and the vision of new head coach Dan Mullen.
As the dust settles on the transfer portal frenzy, the UNLV football roster stands at a crossroads, with new beginnings and familiar faces shaping the future of the team. The coming months will reveal the full extent of these changes and how they will impact the Rebels’ upcoming season.
For more insights and updates on the UNLV football roster, reach out to Callie Fin at cfin@reviewjournal.com or follow @CallieJLaw on X.