The UNLV Rebels (1-0) visit the Sam Houston Bearkats (0-1) at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium on Friday, August 29, 2025.

The Rebels are expected to win by at least a touchdown (currently -9.5) against the Bearkats. The over/under for this matchup is 61.5 points.

Keep reading to check out our preview for this this game between the Rebels and the Bearkats, and discover all of our expert predictions here, too!

UNLV vs. Sam Houston betting lines

• Spread favorite: Rebels (-9.5)
• Moneyline: Rebels (-322), Bearkats (+255)
• Total: 61.5 points
• TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
• Live Stream: Fubo

UNLV vs. Sam Houston betting info and stats

UNLV, in one game with a spread so far this season, has gone 0-1-0 against the spread. UNLV has yet to cover the spread when playing as favorites by at least 9.5 points (a 0-1 ATS record). In one game as a moneyline favorite, UNLV won. Sam Houston has yet to win a game against the spread so far this season (0-1-0). Sam Houston has not covered the spread in games it was the underdog by at least 9.5 points (0-1). This is the second game this year Sam Houston is the moneyline underdog. The Bearkats lost the first one.

UNLV vs. Sam Houston key players

UNLV Rebels

• Hajj-Malik Williams put together an impressive passing stat line last year with 1,941 yards (138.6 yards per game), going 150-for-252 (59.5% completion percentage), 19 touchdowns and five interceptions. He was effective in the running game as well, with 851 rushing yards on 161 carries, nine rushing TDs, and averaging 60.8 yards per game.
• Last season Jai’Den Thomas took 161 rushing attempts for 915 yards (65.4 per game) and scored seven touchdowns.
• Ricky White III reeled in 79 catches for 1,041 yards (80.1 per game) while being targeted 124 times. He also scored 11 touchdowns.
• Jacob De Jesus produced last season, catching 36 passes for 512 yards and three touchdowns. He collected 39.4 receiving yards per game.
• Jaden Bradley grabbed nine passes for 173 yards and one touchdown, averaging 14.4 yards per game last year.
• Antonio Doyle’s hard work last season put together a stat line of 6.0 sacks, 7.0 TFL and 37 tackles.
• Last season Jackson Woodard grabbed 94 tackles, 9.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks, and four interceptions.
• Last season Jalen Catalon had a huge stat line of five interceptions, 76 tackles, 4.0 TFL, two sacks, and five passes defended.

Sam Houston Bearkats

• Hunter Watson averaged 150.9 passing yards per outing and tossed 12 touchdowns last season. In addition, he added 647 yards on the ground with nine touchdowns.
• Jevyon Ducker averaged 57.3 rushing yards and accumulated seven rushing touchdowns.
• Simeon Evans was targeted 5.6 times per game and racked up 559 receiving yards and six touchdowns over the course of 2024.
• Qua’Vez Humphreys caught 20 passes last season on his way to 385 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
• Noah Smith caught 40 passes on his way to 313 receiving yards a season ago.
• Last year Chris Murray put pressure on opposing quarterbacks with 5.5 sacks, and added 8.0 TFL and 24 tackles.
• Caleb Weaver had an impactful defensive performance last season with 73 tackles, 2.0 TFL, and four interceptions.