Memphis vs UNLV Prediction 8/29/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Memphis vs UNLV prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 29th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 0 matchup. 

Memphis Tigers Betting Preview

The Memphis Tigers went 8-5 (4-4) last season and they finished tied for sixth in the American standings. Memphis started the season with a 45-10 win over Chattanooga and defeated Georgia State 38-16 in week two. The Tigers started the season with a 6-0 record, but they lost four of their last six regular season games. Memphis also lost the Gasparilla Bowl by a score of 31-7 against NC State. The Tigers allowed at least 28 points in six of their last seven games last year. Memphis scored 32.5 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 23.2 points against per game on defense. 

This season, Memphis has a ton of new faces on both sides of the ball, as they really utilized the transfer portal. The Tigers have not selected a starting quarterback yet, but the running backs and receivers look solid. The offensive line is a bit of a question mark, as it may take some time to gel. On defense, Memphis isn’t returning any starters, but the defensive line looks solid, while the linebackers need some help. 

UNLV Rebels Betting Preview

The UNLV Rebels went 10-4 (6-2) last year and they finished tied for first in the Mountain West standings. UNLV opened the season with a 38-31 win over Idaho State and they beat Sam Houston by a score of 38-21 in week two. The Rebels started the season with six straight wins, but they lost to Boise State and New Mexico, before winning their last four regular season games. UNLV lost the MWC Title game to Boise State by a score of 38-21 and they lost the Frisco Bowl 17-10 against Ohio. UNLV scored 34.1 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 28.0 points against per game on defense. 

This year, UNLV will have Jackson Arnold at quarterback, who has played at Oklahoma and Auburn. The running game should be very strong once again, but there isn’t much depth at receiver. On defense, UNLV should have a strong linebacker group, but the defensive line and secondary is a concern. 

Why the UNLV Rebels will win

• UNLV has won seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at Allegiant Stadium.
• Memphis has lost each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Memphis has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• UNLV has covered the spread in 17 of its last 21 games against non-conference opponents.

Why the Memphis Tigers will win

• Memphis has won 11 of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
• Memphis has covered the spread in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
• UNLV has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games at Allegiant Stadium.

Total Points Facts

• Five of UNLV’s last six games have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Each of Memphis’ last three road openers have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• UNLV ranked 132nd among FBS teams for 1st downs against last season (303).
• UNLV ranked 9th among FBS teams for 1st downs last season (325).
• Memphis ranked 6th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game last season (6.6).
• Memphis ranked 7th among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters last season (+5.0).

Memphis vs UNLV Prediction 

UNLV comes into this matchup after a very successful 2025 season and I really like their quarterback situation this year. The Rebels should be very good on the ground once again, but we will see if their defense can be better. Memphis went 8-5 last year, but they have a new coach and I don’t love how their team is constructed. The Tigers have not announced their starting quarterback, which is usually not a great sign. I think the UNLV ground game will be the difference in this contest and I like them to cover at home.

David Racey's Pick: UNLV -4.5