UNLV to play Michigan transfer Alex Orji, Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea in Week 0

UNLV opens the 2025 season on Saturday, hosting Idaho State in Las Vegas for a Week 0 matchup. After a hiatus following his 2021 exit from Florida, Dan Mullen is back on the sidelines and enters his first season with the Rebels.

The Rebels added Michigan transfer Alex Orji and Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea to their quarterback room this offseason. Entering Week 0, there has not been enough separation to name a starter. Mullen shared on Tuesday on the McElroy and Cubelic show that both quarterbacks will play.

“They have similarities, but they have differences in their games,” Mullen said. “Both guys will play in Game 1 for us, for sure. It’s a long season. But I want to make sure on gameday that what I see in practice they can do on the field in a game and see how people respond to that.”

Colandrea has the most in-game experience and impressed during his time at Virginia, throwing for 4,083 yards and 26 touchdowns. He has a 6-11 career record in 17 starts, and picked UNLV over Pitt, Syracuse and Ole Miss.

Orji threw for 150 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions on 47 attempts last season, but was replaced by Davis Warren. He also rushed for 266 yards on 57 carries and a touchdown. The former four-star recruit has two years of eligibility remaining.

“I want to see how we practice this week and how the plan goes,” Mullen said. “I don’t know what we’re calling on the first play of the game, so I don’t know who will be in there the first play. Hopefully they’re both healthy and if they are, they’ll both play. Maybe both (start). Just keeping everyone on their toes just to annoy everybody.”

The Rebels are a 25.5-point favorite Saturday against Idaho State, according to BetMGM. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.