UNLV’s Jet Thomas carries father’s memory into bowl game

UNLV Rebels running back Jai'Den Thomas (9) breaks a tackle attempt by New Mexico Lobos defensive end Darren Agu (10) during the first half of an NCAA football game at Allegiant Stadium Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Photo by: Steve Marcus

UNLV’s Jai’Den Thomas burst loose for another long touchdown run at Allegiant Stadium. He celebrated with teammates when he reached the sideline, finally finding the bench and looking up into the stands.

Then the emotions hit.

Ever since his youth football days in Georgia, every touchdown meant spotting his father in the bleachers. But Kenneth Thomas died during the offseason, and the season opener against Idaho State felt profoundly different.

Thomas, as he has done so many times before, exploded for 147 yards and three touchdowns on just 10 carries. Still, it was a bittersweet afternoon for him.

He has dedicated the season to his father’s memory. That season now comes down to its final game — the Frisco Bowl in Texas at 6 p.m. PST today against Ohio.

Thomas is better known to the UNLV faithful by his nickname: “Jet.”

The moniker came from his father, who gave it to him because he’s always been the fastest player on the field. It also spells out his name: Jai’Den Elijah Thomas.

Thomas’ bond with his parents has always been strong. When he came to Las Vegas in 2023 to play for the Rebels, his family followed, relocating here. His dad never missed a game — until this season.

“He would always be in the front row supporting me,” Thomas said. “It’s something I take dearly. I always looked up to my dad. It’s an honor playing for him.”

The bowl game carries added significance for Thomas, who stands just 15 yards shy of his first career 1,000-yard rushing season.

Thomas, a first-team All-Mountain West selection, enters the game with 985 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. His career total of 2,406 yards ranks eighth in UNLV history.

Thomas, who stands just 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, flew under the radar coming out of high school in the Atlanta area.

Despite racking up 2,434 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns in two seasons at Westlake High, his size scared off major programs. UNLV saw something different — and he became a key piece of the offense here almost immediately.

He scored two touchdowns in his first collegiate game and finished that debut season with 12 scores — a school record for a freshman.

Thomas’ growth has been most evident in the passing game. He has hauled in 36 receptions this season — double his combined total of 18 catches from his first two years.

His 11-catch performance against New Mexico set a program record for receptions by a running back in a single game.

“I can do it all,” he said. “I’ve always been a good receiver and had that ability. (This season) I got more work in the passing game to show those skills. I’m thankful for the coaches trusting me.”

Thomas’ emergence has coincided with the greatest run in UNLV’s program history.

UNLV has gone 30-11 during his three seasons, reaching three conference championship games and playing in three consecutive bowl games — a first in school history.

A win over Ohio would mark another milestone: the first time the Rebels have won bowl games in back-to-back seasons.

Thomas cherishes his role in the program’s transformation, saying “it’s truly a blessing being here.”

Now all that’s left is securing a victory today.

“A bowl game can really kind of set the tempo going into next season,” coach Dan Mullen said. “We don’t get to play again until September, so you want to finish on a win. We’ve had a pretty good year. I want us to go out and write the final chapter of this team to finish on a victory and finish on an extremely high note. I’m really proud of these guys and what they’ve done. We want that last chapter to be a winner.”