Gridiron Gambit: A New Rivalry Ignites in Week 0
A Historic Encounter on the Horizon: Memphis and UNLV's Inaugural Showdown
College football fans are eagerly anticipating a fresh rivalry as the Memphis Tigers and UNLV Rebels prepare for their first-ever clash on the gridiron. This marquee matchup is slated for Week 0 of the 2026 season, promising an electrifying start to the football calendar. The game is part of an agreed-upon home-and-home series, with the Rebels hosting the initial contest.
Filling the Void: Schedule Adjustments Pave the Way for a New Matchup
The scheduling of this exciting game addresses a recent vacancy in Memphis's 2026 calendar. The Arkansas Razorbacks' decision to cancel their planned game against the Tigers in Fayetteville, a consequence of the SEC's transition to a nine-game conference schedule, left Memphis searching for a new opponent. While the first leg of their series with Arkansas saw Memphis emerge victorious, the second leg has been deferred to 2030, opening the door for this new fixture. Similarly, UNLV, now part of a restructured nine-team Mountain West conference, had an available slot in its non-conference schedule, making this never-before-seen encounter a perfect fit.
Week 0 Landscape: A Look at the Packed Opening Weekend
The 2026 Week 0 slate is shaping up to be a captivating start to the season, with the Memphis-UNLV game joining four other significant matchups. These include Hawaii facing Stanford, New Mexico State taking on Florida State, a transatlantic battle between North Carolina and TCU in Dublin, Ireland, and NC State squaring off against Virginia in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For UNLV, this marks their third time hosting a Week 0 game, having previously welcomed FCS Idaho State in 2022 and 2025. This will be a groundbreaking moment for Memphis, as it represents their first-ever participation in a Week 0 contest.
Recent Successes: Both Teams Enter the Matchup on a High Note
Both the Memphis Tigers and the UNLV Rebels arrive at this historic encounter with impressive recent track records. Memphis concluded its last season with an 8-5 record, highlighted by a strong 7-1 start and a climb to No. 22 in the AP Poll. The Tigers recently welcomed new head coach Charles Huff, formerly of Marshall and Southern Miss, who will make his debut in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, UNLV enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, achieving a 10-4 record and securing the Mountain West runner-up title for the third consecutive year. Under the leadership of Dan Mullen, who is entering his second year, the Rebels are aiming for an even stronger finish after their appearances in the Mountain West Championship and Frisco Bowl. UNLV's home turf, Allegiant Stadium, has been a fortress for them, boasting a formidable 14-5 record over the past three seasons.