UNLV Will Host Utah for Exhibition Game
The Rebels face the Utes tonight at the Thomas & Mack Center as part of a three-game exhibition schedule.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball
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UNLV will host Utah in a men's basketball exhibition game at 7 p.m. on October 7, 2026, at the Thomas & Mack Center. This matchup coincides with Mountain West media days taking place at the Palms Casino.
Why it matters
The exhibition series provides UNLV with high-level preparation against three Power 4 opponents before the season begins. These games serve as a critical gauge for the roster against top-tier collegiate competition.
UNLV has scheduled three exhibition games against Power 4 opponents this season. Utah finished their previous season with a 10-22 overall record and a 2-16 record in conference play.
The players
AJ Storr
The Mississippi transfer pledged his commitment to UNLV on August 18 and is currently affected by a court ruling involving 19 plaintiffs.
UNLV
The university is hosting a series of exhibition games at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
The details
The game is one of three exhibitions UNLV will host, including upcoming matchups against BYU on October 24 and Missouri on October 29. Meanwhile, transfer AJ Storr remains ineligible after being named as one of 19 plaintiffs in an August court ruling from Tennessee.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: UNLV hosts Utah at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center.
October 7, 2026: Mountain West media days are held at the Palms Casino.
October 24, 2026: UNLV will host an exhibition game against BYU.
October 29, 2026: UNLV will host an exhibition game against Missouri.
The Big Picture
The ongoing situation with AJ Storr follows the precedent set by the August 2026 Tennessee court ruling regarding athlete eligibility. This legal environment continues to shape roster availability for major college basketball programs across the country.
BYU and Missouri are both expected to enter the season ranked, making those future matchups significant tests for the team. The current exhibition schedule is designed to prepare the roster for a challenging non-conference slate.
The takeaway
These exhibitions offer fans an early look at the team's performance against high-caliber opponents. Watching how the coaching staff rotates players in these non-counting games can provide insights into potential starter combinations.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming season and roster updates, visit Basketball.
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