UNLV QB Jackson Arnold threw for 291 yards and two TDs while adding a rushing score in a 27-21 loss to Memphis to open the 2026 season.
UNLV opened its 2026 season with a 27-21 loss to Memphis on Saturday, but quarterback Jackson Arnold provided plenty of positives with his passing accuracy and impact in the running game.
The Auburn transfer completed 25 of 37 attempts for 291 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading the Rebels on the ground with 54 yards on 21 carries. Arnold accounted for all three of UNLV’s touchdowns, throwing two and running for another.
Arnold helped the Rebels build a 14-7 halftime advantage by connecting with Tavian McNair for a 38-yard touchdown and scoring himself on a 6-yard rushing touchdown. UNLV had won its previous 11 games when holding a halftime lead, with its last such loss coming against Syracuse back on Oct. 4, 2024.
Tavian McNair gets into the end zone for the UNLV touchdown pic.twitter.com/JlHGJGrreB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 30, 2026
After the Tigers tied the game early in the third quarter on Marcus Stokes’ 48-yard touchdown pass to Stonka Burnside, Arnold responded with another big scoring play. He found Kayden McGee for a 22-yard touchdown, putting UNLV back in front.
Memphis eventually erased the deficit and took control late. Jaylin Carter’s 36-yard rushing touchdown tied the game at 21, while Philippe Laforge converted field goals from 32 and 36 yards to give the Tigers a 27-21 lead.
The Rebels had an opportunity to respond midway through the fourth quarter after reaching the Memphis 18-yard line. However, Arnold was sacked on fourth-and-7 with 6:08 remaining, ending the possession. The Tigers finished with six sacks and 11 tackles for loss while applying pressure throughout the closing stages.
UNLV coach Dan Mullen had said earlier in the week that Arnold and Alex Orji would both play against Memphis. However, Arnold’s performance limited Orji’s involvement, as Orji did not attempt a pass.
The Rebels will look to rebound next Saturday against Hawaii.
UNLV opened its 2026 season with a 27-21 loss to Memphis on Saturday, but quarterback Jackson Arnold provided plenty of positives with his passing accuracy and impact in the running game. The Auburn transfer completed 25 of 37 attempts for 291 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading the Rebels on the ground with 54 yards on 21 carries.