Alex Orji injury update: UNLV QB to miss remainder of season with hamstring issue

UNLV quarterback Alex Orji will miss the remainder of the season, head coach Dan Mullen has announced. Orji suffered a hamstring injury that will reportedly require surgery.

Orji transferred to UNLV from Michigan this past offseason and has been used in multiple packages this season. He’s mainly been used as a runner with 10 carries for 42 yards and a touchdown. However, he also completed all three of his passing attempts on the season for 37 yards.

Anthony Colandrea has been the main starter for the Rebels so far in 2025. Through three games, Colandrea has completed over 75% (49-of-65) of his passing attempts for 647 yards and six touchdowns compared to one interception.

Cameron Friel, who has been with the Rebels for five seasons, will serve as the backup in Orji’s place. Friel has over 2,000 passing yards to his credit during his career, including over 1,600 yards during his freshman season in 2021.

For Orji, 2025 was his senior season after spending the last three playing for the Michigan Wolverines. However, Orji only participated in three games this season and has the option to apply for a medical redshirt. In the age of NIL and the transfer portal in college athletics, his future with the program remains to be seen.

During his 2024 season with the Wolverines, Orji threw for 150 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions on 47 attempts. The numbers a lot better when Orji took off himself, having 57 carries for 266 yards and a touchdown.

He threw for 150 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions on 47 attempts. The numbers were a lot strong when Orji took off himself, having 57 carries for 266 yards and a touchdown. The Rebels were hoping he’d have the same impact in his offense, but the injury halts that effort in its tracks.

UNLV will move forward with their season with Colandrea as their main quarterback. The good news for the Rebels is that he’s already proven himself as a threat in the running game. He’s the team’s second-leading rusher through three games, taking 30 attempts for 175 yards and an additional touchdown.

Next up for the Rebels is a road matchup against Miami (OH) on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for Noon ET and will air live on ESPNU. After that, the Rebels are idle ahead of their Mountain West Conference opener on the road against Wyoming.