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Marcus Stokes throws two touchdowns as Memphis rallies past UNLV 27-21 in the season opener
Memphis opened its 2026 college football season with a statement on the road, overcoming a halftime deficit to defeat UNLV 27-21 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
The victory also gave new Memphis head coach Charles Huff a memorable start. Huff became the first Tigers head coach to win his road debut, while his team showed plenty of resilience after trailing 14-7 at halftime.
Quarterback Marcus Stokes played a steady game, completing 15 of 26 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns without committing a turnover. Running back Jaylin Carter added 97 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
Memphis Finds Its Rhythm After Halftime
UNLV controlled much of the first half and entered the locker room with a seven-point advantage.
Quarterback Jackson Arnold helped the Rebels build their lead, throwing a 38-yard touchdown pass to Tavian McNair before adding a 6-yard rushing touchdown of his own.
The result looked increasingly promising for UNLV because of its recent record when leading at halftime. The Rebels had won their previous 11 games in that situation, with their last such loss coming against Syracuse in October 2024.
Memphis, however, had other plans.
Stokes quickly changed the momentum after halftime, connecting with Stonka Burnside on a 48-yard touchdown pass to bring the Tigers level.
UNLV answered when Arnold found Kayden McGee for a 22-yard touchdown, but Memphis responded again.
This time, Carter broke loose for a 36-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 21-21.
Memphis' Defense Takes Over Late
With the game level, Memphis' defense became the difference-maker.
Philippe Laforge kicked field goals from 32 and 36 yards, giving the Tigers a 27-21 advantage.
UNLV still had an opportunity to respond.
The Rebels drove inside the Memphis 20-yard line during the fourth quarter and reached the Tigers' 18 with the game still within reach. But Memphis' defense produced its biggest play of the night.
With 6:08 remaining, the Tigers sacked Arnold on fourth-and-7, ending the possession and preserving their six-point lead.
Memphis continued putting pressure on Arnold during the closing minutes and successfully protected the victory.
The Tigers finished the game with six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, an impressive defensive effort that ultimately helped them close out the comeback.
Arnold Delivers Despite the Defeat
Arnold was productive for UNLV despite the loss.
The quarterback threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Rebels take control early and repeatedly answering Memphis' scoring drives.
But Memphis' defense became increasingly disruptive as the game progressed, preventing UNLV from producing another scoring drive after taking its final lead.
For the Rebels, the defeat ended an impressive streak of victories in games where they led at halftime.
A Strong Opening Night for Huff
For Huff, the victory provides an encouraging beginning to his tenure at Memphis.
Winning on the road is never easy, particularly in a season opener, but the Tigers showed the ability to recover from adversity and finish strongly.
The biggest positives came on both sides of the ball.
Stokes protected the football while producing two touchdown passes, Carter provided a major rushing contribution, and the defense came alive when the game was on the line.
Memphis now has an early-season win that could prove valuable as it continues through the 2026 campaign.
Final Score
Memphis 27, UNLV 21
Memphis: 223 passing yards from Marcus Stokes; 97 rushing yards and one touchdown from Jaylin Carter; six sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
UNLV: Jackson Arnold threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns.
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