UNLV vs Hawai’i Prediction 9/5/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The UNLV Rebels and the Hawaii Warriors meet in week 1 college football action from the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Complex on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a UNLV Rebels vs. Hawaii Warriors Prediction.

UNLV Rebels Recap

The UNLV Rebels come into this game looking to bounce back from a 27-21 loss to Memphis last time out to sit at 0-1 this season. After this game, the Rebels will head on the road again for a game against the North Texas Mean Green.

Rebels Looking For Rebound Performance

Jackson Arnold threw for 291 yards and 2 touchdowns on 25 of 37 passing while also rushing for 54 yards and a score. Jaylon Glover rushed for 49 yards and Jai’Den Thomas also chipped in 44 rushing yards for the Rebels. Thomas had a team-high 6 catches for 54 yards while Kayden McGee had 3 catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Tavian McNair also added a 38 yard TD grab. On defense, Jake Pope had a team-high 13 total tackles with 5 solo tackles while Tre Fulton added a sack as well in the losing effort.

Hawaii Warriors Recap

The Hawaii Warriors come into this game looking to rebound from a 37-27 loss at the hands of Stanford last time out to start the year at 0-1. After this game, the Warriors will take on the New Mexico State Aggies at home.

Warriors Looking For Bounce Back

Micah Alejado threw for 272 yards and 2 TDs on 31 of 51 passing while DeVon Rice rushed for 35 yards and a TD and Sitani Mikaele also had 15 rushing yards with a TD. Kainoa Carvalho had a team-high 72 receiving yards with 5 catches while Tama Uiliata added a team-high 8 catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. Blaze Kamoku added 42 receiving yards while Rice also chipped in 4 catches for 25 yards and a score. On defense, Kona Moore had a team-high 14 total tackles including 10 solo tackles to lead Hawaii’s defense in the loss. 

UNLV Rebels @ Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Betting Trends: Week 1

Why the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will win

• The home team has won each of Hawaii’s last six games.
• UNLV has lost each of its last three games.
• Hawaii has covered the spread in each of its last seven home games against conference opponents.
• UNLV has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three games.
• Hawaii has won the first half in eight of its last nine home games.
• Hawaii has won the first quarter in three of its last four games as a home underdog.

Why the UNLV Rebels will win

• UNLV has won each of its last 12 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Hawaii has lost 10 of its last 11 September games as an underdog.
• UNLV has covered the spread in each of its last 10 games in September.
• Hawaii has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six home openers.
• UNLV has won the first half in each of its last four games against Hawaii.
• UNLV has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against Hawaii.

Total Points Facts

• Each of UNLV’s last seven road openers have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Each of Hawaii’s last four home openers as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Player Prop Facts

• Micah Alejado has recorded 30+ completions in two consecutive games – longest streak in the FBS.

UNLV Rebels Player Prop Facts

• Jai’Den Thomas ranked 8th amongst qualified players for Yards Per Carry (7.0) last season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Hawaii ranked 2nd among FBS teams for red zone percentage last season (95.2).
• Hawaii ranked 3rd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against last season (30.4).
• UNLV recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 10 points or less of any FBS team last season (4).
• UNLV ranked 2nd among FBS teams for Q2 points per game last season (12.8).

UNLV Rebels vs. Hawaii Warriors Prediction

I’m on the Warriors and the points. Hawaii at home as underdogs under Timmy Chang have been money and I’m still not convinced with UNLV in what could be a letdown spot after what could’ve been a playoff eliminating loss to start the year. I think Hawaii was wronged in the opener against Stanford, but on the island, they’re a different beast. Give me the Warriors and the points.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Hawaii +3