LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — UNLV football held its first full-pads practice of the season Tuesday as the battle for starting positions heats up, particularly at quarterback where two transfer students are vying for the top spot.
Michigan transfer Alex Orji and Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea are both competing for the starting quarterback role, bringing significant experience to the Rebels offense.
Rather than viewing the competition as divisive, the two quarterbacks see it as an opportunity to build camaraderie and push each other to excel.
WATCH | UNLV QBs Orji and Colandrea build camaraderie while competing for starting position
"Alex is the man, he's super positive, even after a good play, a bad play, he's even keel," Colandrea said.
"No matter what we push each other to be the best, Anthony has that dog in him…it's good to have that guy in the locker room," Orji said.
Orji brings championship pedigree to the team as the only player with a national championship under his belt, while Colandrea contributes the most starting experience among this year's quarterback group.
WATCH | Head coach Dan Mullen on the status of the team
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
-
Jai'Den Thomas leads No. 23 UNLV to a 27-16 victory over San Jose State
Jai'Den Thomas ran for 135 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter to help No. 23 UNLV keep its conference title hopes alive with a 27-16 victory over San Jose State on Friday night.No. 23 UNLV looks to keep title hopes alive with a win at San Jose State
Coach Barry Odom's UNLV squad keeps checking off firsts in a breakthrough season for the Rebels this year.UNLV Football rises to No. 23 — their highest-ever ranking in two national polls
Their record now sits at 8-2 overall following their 41-20 home-game win over San Diego State on Saturday.New study says UNLV Athletics brings over $100 million to local economy per year
UNLV isn't just winning on the field and on the court, but the Rebels are bringing in wins for their community.