This is when the new Mountain West gets rolling.
Unfortunately, both Hawaii and UNLV – two teams expected to be the best in the league this year – failed their Week 0 tests. The Rainbow Warriors came back to take a late lead against Stanford, only to collapse late in the 37-27 loss. UNLV couldn’t handle the Memphis pass rush in the 27-21 home loss. But now it really matters.
They could still meet in the Mountain West Championship, but realistically, the loser is in big, big trouble.
UNLV vs Hawaii: Quick Hits
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UNLV outgained Memphis, but it couldn’t move the ball in the fourth quarter. It had the ball for over 35 minutes.
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Hawaii struggled to do much of anything against Stanford, but QB Micah Alejado finished with 272 yards and two scores after a big final 20 minutes.
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UNLV makes the trip from Honolulu to North Texas next week. Hawaii stays home to face New Mexico State.
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How To Watch UNLV vs Hawaii
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET
TV: CW
Location: Clarence TC Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI
– CFN Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
– CFN Week 1 Expert Picks
Why UNLV Will Win
The offense works when it has time. New quarterback Jackson Arnold wasn’t fast enough in his decision-making against Memphis, but he still threw for close to 300 yards with two touchdowns, and didn’t throw any picks. He also led the team with 54 rushing yards and a score.
The Rebels were able to control the clock and keep their defense rested. In this, they have to keep Alejado and the high-powered Hawaii offense on the sidelines. It’s not like UNLV is all about ball control, but it has to be in charge of the tempo.
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Why Hawaii Will Win
Send the house and Jackson Arnold from the start.
UNLV is a bit banged up on the offensive line, but it should be okay overall. Now it has to block someone after it didn’t have a prayer of stopping Memphis from jumping on Arnold’s head – the Rebels allowed six sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
UNLV vs Hawaii Prediction, Betting Lines
Hawaii will use Hawaii.
Where do you go if you’re a team from Las Vegas and want to be somewhere cool? Honolulu is it, but obviously this is a business trip. Even so, Hawaii is always a different team at home, and it’ll play like it’s past the Stanford disappointment in a hurry.
UNLV has won four of the last five meetings, but the Rainbow Warriors will do a better job of playing their style.
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Hawaii 30, UNLV 27
Latest Consensus Line: UNLV -3.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.