LAS VEGAS, Nevada, October 10, 2026: The UNLV Rebels will welcome the North Dakota State Bison to Allegiant Stadium on Saturday for a Homecoming matchup that marks the first meeting between the two programs.
The game brings together two teams that enter the weekend unbeaten in Mountain West play. UNLV is 3-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while North Dakota State is 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Mountain West.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Pacific Time at Allegiant Stadium, with The CW carrying the game nationally.
A First Ever Meeting in Las Vegas
Saturday’s matchup has added significance because UNLV and North Dakota State have never played each other before.
North Dakota State joined the Mountain West for the 2026 season, making the visit to Las Vegas part of a new chapter for the Bison. The team has quickly made an impression in its first season in the conference, entering the UNLV game with a perfect 5-0 record.
UNLV also enters the game with momentum after defeating California 39-31 on October 3. North Dakota State is coming off a 28-0 shutout of Wyoming.
Homecoming Brings More Than Football
The game is part of UNLV’s 2026 Homecoming celebration, giving fans plenty of activity around the football matchup.
The Rebel Village Fan Zone in Lot C will feature entertainment and activities beginning at 12:30 p.m. The pregame festivities will include a performance by Hot Chelle Rae, with the band scheduled to perform again during halftime.
Fans will also have an opportunity to meet members of the UNLV Lady Rebels basketball team during an autograph session before kickoff.
The university will recognize Homecoming award winners and Rebel Royalty during halftime, adding another traditional element to the annual celebration.
Hot Chelle Rae Set for Allegiant Stadium
One of the biggest entertainment attractions surrounding the game is Hot Chelle Rae.
The band is scheduled to perform on the Star Nursery Stage at 2:30 p.m. before the game and return for the halftime show. The group is known for its hit song “Tonight Tonight,” which reached double platinum status in the United States.
That combination of college football, Homecoming festivities and live music gives Saturday’s event a broader entertainment angle beyond the matchup on the field.
Two Unbeaten Mountain West Teams Meet
The football matchup itself is also worth watching.
North Dakota State enters the game as the first place team in the Mountain West with a 2-0 conference record. The Bison have been particularly strong defensively, ranking first in the FBS in scoring defense at 9.8 points allowed per game entering the weekend.
UNLV is 1-0 in conference play and is looking to build on its win over California. The Rebels have won four consecutive Mountain West home openers and will be playing their annual Homecoming game in front of a Las Vegas crowd.
Game Day Schedule at Allegiant Stadium
Fans heading to Allegiant Stadium can arrive several hours before kickoff.
Parking lots are scheduled to open at noon, while the Rebel Village Fan Zone opens at 12:30 p.m. Stadium doors are scheduled to open at 2:30 p.m. The Hot Chelle Rae pregame performance begins at 2:30 p.m., followed by the UNLV Lady Rebels autograph session from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m.
A New Mountain West Chapter for Both Programs
The matchup represents more than another game on the schedule. It is the first chapter of a new conference relationship between two programs now competing in the same Mountain West football landscape.
For UNLV, the game is a chance to celebrate Homecoming while facing an undefeated opponent. For North Dakota State, the trip to Allegiant Stadium provides another major test during its first season in the conference.
With an undefeated team traveling to Las Vegas, a Homecoming celebration, a live performance by Hot Chelle Rae and a first ever matchup between the programs, Saturday’s game offers plenty of storylines beyond the final score.