When UNLV Rebels took the field at Allegiant Stadium on November 21, 2025, they weren’t just playing a rivalry game — they were fighting for a shot at the Mountain West Conference title. Their 38-10 demolition of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. And it came at the perfect time.
From Early Shock to Total Domination
The game started with a jolt. Hawaii’s Micah Alejado launched a 70-yard bomb to Jackson Harris on the third play of the game, putting the Rainbow Warriors up 7-3. Fans in the stands held their breath. Had Hawaii finally cracked UNLV’s defense?
Not even close.
Three minutes later, Anthony Colandrea found Taeshaun Lyons for a 72-yard touchdown — a response that didn’t just answer the question. It buried it. By halftime, UNLV led 24-10, thanks to a 14-yard run by Keyvone Lee and a 45-yard field goal by Hawaii’s Kansei Matsuzawa that felt more like a consolation than a threat.
Defense and Depth Decide the Game
What made this win so convincing wasn’t just the offense. It was the defense. UNLV held Hawaii to 10 points on 10 possessions. Three times, the Rainbow Warriors went three-and-out — including a 6-play, 0-yard drive in the third quarter that lasted over three minutes and ended in a punt. The stats don’t lie: Colandrea completed 21 of 26 passes (80.8%), racked up 253 yards, and threw three touchdowns. But the real story? Hawaii’s offense averaged just 3.1 yards per play after the first quarter.
And when the offense needed to close the door, it did — with flair. In the fourth quarter, Colandrea hit tight end Daejon Reynolds on a 1-yard slant, then watched as wide receiver JoJo Earle broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run. Five different Rebels scored. Five. That’s not just depth. That’s balance. That’s championship-caliber football.
The Rivalry Shifts Hands
The Island Showdown — now in its ninth year — used to belong to Hawaii. From 2016 to 2021, the Rainbow Warriors won six straight. But since 2022, UNLV has won three in a row. And this one? It was the most decisive yet. The win improved UNLV to 9-2 overall and 5-2 in the Mountain West. Hawaii? They’re now 7-4, 4-3, and effectively out of title contention with three games left.
It’s more than just a rivalry. It’s a changing of the guard. And it happened right here, under the lights of Allegiant Stadium — a $1.9 billion fortress that now doubles as the Rebels’ fortress of dreams.
What’s Next for UNLV?
The Mountain West Championship Game is set for December 6, 2025, at Sam Boyd Stadium in Whitney, Nevada. UNLV needs to win their final two regular-season games to lock up a spot. They’ve got a tough one coming up against Boise State — but after this performance, no one’s doubting them anymore.
Head coach Barry Odom, in his third season, has turned this team around. Last year, they finished 6-6. This year? They’re one win away from the conference title game. And if they get there, they’ll play for an automatic bid to the Las Vegas Bowl — also at Allegiant Stadium — on December 27.
Why This Matters Beyond the Record Book
This wasn’t just about rankings. It was about identity. UNLV, a school with 30,000 students, doesn’t have the recruiting pipelines of Alabama or Ohio State. But they’ve got grit. They’ve got a quarterback who makes smart throws under pressure. They’ve got a defense that swarms like bees. And they’ve got a fanbase that’s finally starting to believe.
Meanwhile, Hawaii’s struggles aren’t just about this loss. They’re about consistency. Head coach Timmy Chang has talent — but his offense looked disjointed, and his line couldn’t protect Alejado after the first quarter. The Rainbow Warriors now face a tough road ahead: three games against teams with winning records. Their bowl hopes are slipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did UNLV’s defense shut down Hawaii’s passing game?
UNLV’s secondary and pass rush worked in tandem — they blitzed on 38% of Hawaii’s dropbacks, according to MWC Connection’s analytics, and disrupted timing on every route. Hawaii’s offense averaged just 4.1 yards per play after the first quarter, and Micah Alejado was sacked twice and pressured on 11 of his 32 pass attempts. The Rebels held Hawaii to 0 yards on their final four possessions.
Who are the key players to watch for UNLV in the final two games?
Quarterback Anthony Colandrea, with his 80.8% completion rate, is the engine. But running back Keyvone Lee (112 yards on 22 carries) and receiver JoJo Earle (27-yard TD run) provide balance. On defense, linebacker Marcus Williams led the team with 12 tackles and a forced fumble. If these three — and the offensive line — hold up, UNLV will be in the championship game.
Why is Allegiant Stadium so important to UNLV’s success?
Allegiant Stadium isn’t just a venue — it’s a home-field advantage on steroids. With 65,000 seats and a dome that muffles crowd noise, UNLV has gone 5-0 there this season. The Raiders’ presence means top-tier facilities, and the Las Vegas crowd brings energy no other Mountain West home field can match. This win was the Rebels’ seventh straight at Allegiant — a streak that’s growing by the week.
What’s the historical significance of this win for UNLV football?
UNLV hasn’t reached the Mountain West Championship Game since 2013. A win in their final two games would be their first appearance since then — and their first shot at a conference title since 2012. This win over Hawaii was the most dominant in the rivalry’s modern era, and it signals a return to relevance for a program that’s often been overlooked in the Pac-12’s shadow.
Could Hawaii still make a bowl game?
Yes — but it’s tight. Hawaii needs to win at least two of their last three games to reach bowl eligibility (6 wins). They face San Jose State, Fresno State, and New Mexico — all teams with winning records. Their offense has struggled to sustain drives, and their defense gave up 38 points to a team that doesn’t have elite talent. They’ll need a miracle or two to get there.
How does this win affect the Mountain West standings?
UNLV now sits tied for second in the West Division with Boise State (both 5-2). San Diego State (6-1) leads the division. A win over Boise State next week would put UNLV in the driver’s seat for the division title. Meanwhile, Hawaii’s loss eliminated them from contention and dropped them to fifth in the West — meaning they’ll need help from other teams to even make the top four for a potential bowl tie-in.