UNLV Ends Northern Illinois Streak with 31-24 Win

UNLV defeated Northern Illinois 31-24 on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

The result extended Northern Illinois' losing streak to 10 games.

Jackson Arnold passed for 269 yards and three touchdowns while adding 86 yards on the ground for the Runnin' Rebels.

UNLV improved to 5-3 overall and 3-1 in the Mountain West Conference.

Jai’Den Thomas carried the ball 16 times for 114 yards and one touchdown.

Thomas has 35 career rushing touchdowns, which ranks third in program history.

His 40 total touchdowns tie for second in school records.

Northern Illinois remains 0-7 overall and 0-4 in conference play.

The Huskies last won on Nov. 12, 2025, beating UMass 45-3.

JJ Schlenhardt kicked a 27-yard field goal to give Northern Illinois a 17-10 lead with 10:15 remaining in the first half.

Arnold responded with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Keyan Burnett about three minutes later.

Arnold then threw a 2-yard score to Taeshaun Lyons with 20 seconds left in the half, putting UNLV up 24-17 at the break. Arnold was 20-of-30 on the day and threw two interceptions. Taron Dickens threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to DeAree Rogers for the Huskies. He also connected with George Dimopoulos for a 61-yard score with 9:31 left in the third quarter. Telly Johnson Jr. added a 20-yard rushing touchdown for Northern Illinois. On the first play of the game, Arnold rolled right and threw a deep pass to Jayden McGee at the 30-yard line. McGee ran 75 yards for a touchdown. He finished with four receptions for 106 yards. Thomas rushed 60 yards for a touchdown less than four minutes into the second half, giving UNLV a 14-point lead. Northern Illinois plays at San Jose State next Saturday. UNLV hosts Wyoming at the same time.