The Dan Mullen era at UNLV is officially underway. The Rebels’ new head coach announced that Michigan transfer Alex Orji and Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea will both see action in week zero, setting the stage for an early-season spotlight on the quarterback position.
Mullen’s Decision
With a track record of quarterback development at Mississippi State and Florida, Mullen wasted no time putting his stamp on UNLV. Rolling with two QBs shows both his aggressive approach and his confidence in tailoring the system to his players’ strengths.
For starters, both are respected leaders. Orji is more reserved, while Colandrea is hyper and outgoing—but their styles complement each other and mesh well in the locker room. Each quarterback brings a unique skill set.
Orji’s Skillset
- Arm talent: Cannon for an arm—there isn’t a throw he can’t make.
- Mobility: At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Orji is a load to bring down. He’s averaged 5 yards per carry in his career.
- Leadership: Accountable, well-spoken and respected. A true locker room presence.
Colandrea’s Skillset
- Volume: Has a 62 percent completion rate over his career so far. This tells me that he can execute at a high clip.
- Mobility: One of the fastest players on the roster, with shiftiness and vision that make him a threat to score on the ground.
- Ball placement: Elite when set—throws land exactly where they need to go.
Can’t wait to watch Anthony Colandrea ball out in Vegas 🎰
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) July 1, 2025
pic.twitter.com/MmyrM5Phqk
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Together, they give Mullen versatility and the ability to keep defenses on edge.
Reaction and Implications
For a program eager to rise in the Mountain West, this decision signals ambition. Mullen isn’t easing into his tenure—he’s aiming for immediate results. If the two-QB system clicks, it could unlock one of the most explosive Rebel offenses in recent memory. It also strengthens recruiting: being developed by Mullen is a pitch that resonates with quarterbacks.
Personally, I love this move. Live game reps are the best way to see who elevates under pressure. Mullen gets the chance to evaluate both QBs while the Rebels build momentum.
There are a few things to look out for during the week zero match up. The first being, the live game reps for each QB. Who will get the most or will it be split down the middle? Secondly, I’m excited to see how each QB will be utilized within the scheme. Lastly, How fast can an identity be established?
Bottom Line
This is more than naming starters—it’s a statement about how Mullen plans to build UNLV’s offense. Orji and Colandrea give him the best of both worlds as the Rebels open their 2025 season.
