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
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Lady Rebels ranked #1 in Mountain West preseason poll
Mountain West basketball teams are flocking to Resorts World Las Vegas this week for the conference's media days. The women's teams will take center stage on Wednesday.
Lady Rebels voted for the top spot of the Mountain West 2024-25 campaign
UNLV is looking to defend its title for the fourth consecutive season— marking the third straight season the Lady Rebels have been picked top spot in the preseason poll.
No. 25 UNLV falls to Syracuse 44-41 in OT for Rebels' first loss of the season
The Rebels had their poll debut spoiled in a back-and-forth battle with Syracuse in front of 31,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium.
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Additionally, UNLV remains undefeated this season with a 4-0 record, a first since moving to Division 1 in 1978.
