'Loyalty matters to me': UNLV football retains key players on offense

UNLV running back Jai’Den Thomas (9) carries the ball during practice at the Fertitta Football Complex at UNLV Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. Photo by: Steve Marcus

The UNLV football team has retained two of its top players for the upcoming season, according to social media posts from the program.

Running back Jai’Den Thomas and offensive lineman Austin Boyd, two key pieces in UNLV’s back-to-back 10-win seasons, are returning for their senior seasons.

The retention comes as the NCAA Transfer Portal opened today, with a handful of Rebels — notably record-setting quarterback Anthony Colandrea — departing Las Vegas. Thomas, who ranks eighth all-time in program history with rushing yards, became a priority in maintaining offensive momentum after Colandrea announced his departure.

The first-team All-Mountain West selection rushed for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns last season as UNLV advanced to a bowl game for a third straight year. The team is now setting its sights on a Mountain West championship.

Boyd, who has played in 40 career UNLV games, posted on social media that “loyalty matters to me.”

“I’m committed to finishing what we started. Ready to bring a Mountain West championship to Vegas.!”

The program will likely be targeting a quarterback and defensive upgrades in the transfer portal window.