UNLV Rebels Transfer Portal: 5 athletes to watch out for the Rebels to recruit for 2025 season
The UNLV Rebels had a strong season as they finished the season with an 11-3 record, including a 6-1 mark in Mountain West Conference play. While they were able to reach the MWC Championship Game with a trip to the College Football Playoff on the line, they came up short and had to settle for an appearance in the LA Bowl.
They did, however, emerge victorious to earn their first bowl game victory since 2000. With the transfer portal now officially open, several players have already announced their intention to change programs.
Here's a closer look at five players UNLV could look to target as they look to turn things around.
5 athletes to watch out for the UNLV Rebels to recruit for 2025 season
#1. Justyn Martin
The Rebels will need to replace starting quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams as he has no remaining eligibility. Former UCLA Bruins quarterback Justyn Martin would represent a solid pickup that could come in and start right away.
The former four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class has appeared in five games, making one start, throwing for 179 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions while completing 68.6% of his passes.
#2. Fluff Bothwell
The Rebels had one of the best rushing attacks in all of college football, establishing an identity via the ground. They had a balanced rushing attack and could look to further improve in that department by bringing in former South Alabama Jaguars running back Fluff Bothwell.
The former three-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class had a strong true freshman season, finishing with 832 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 111 carries while adding 13 receptions for 92 yards.
#3. Zachariah Branch
The UNLV Rebels will lose their top wide receiver, Ricky White, as he is out of eligibility. They could look to replace his production by bringing in former USC Trojans wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was born and raised in Las Vegas.
The former five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class has recorded 78 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns while adding 87 rushing yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. He has also returned 29 punts for 406 yards and one touchdown while returning 29 kickoffs for 547 yards and one touchdown.
#4. Nikhai Hill-Green
The UNLV Rebels will also lose 2024 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Jackson Woodard as he is out of eligibility. They could target former Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green to replace his production.
The former four-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class has recorded 206 total tackles, 136 of which were solo tackles, 23.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and eight passes defended.
#5. Zion Branch
The UNLV Rebels struggled against the pass in 2024 and former USC Trojans safety Zion Branch could help in that department. The former four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class is seemingly a package deal with his younger brother and the Rebels could look to bring both home. He has recorded 41 total tackles, 30 of which were solo tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, one forced fumble and three passes defended.
Which players do you think the UNLV Rebels should target via the transfer portal to strengthen their roster for next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.