![\"LA](\"https:\/\/media.lasvegassun.com\/media\/img\/photos\/2024\/12\/18\/1218_sun_UNLVCal17_t650.JPG?5711a3b57decb389a12ba40e20471e031ff69545\")
<\/p>\nUNLV players gather for a photo after defeating the California Bears 24-13 in the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, in Los Angeles. Photo by<\/p>\n
Steve Marcus<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 | 11:15 a.m.<\/p>\n The UNLV football team finished ranked nationally for the first time in program history coming in at No. 23 in the final Associated Press poll released today.<\/p>\n The final rankings were released after Monday\u2019s national championship game, where Ohio State topped Notre Dame.<\/p>\n UNLV was ranked at No. 24 in the Coaches\u2019 poll. It finished with an 11-3 record \u2014 the second most wins in school history and most since 1984.<\/p>\n The season saw the Rebels beat four power conference teams, including a 24-13 victory over Cal from the ACC in the LA Bowl<\/a> for the program\u2019s first bowl victory since 2000.<\/p>\n UNLV on Sept. 15 joined the national rankings<\/a> for the initial time in program history. It has played \u2014 and lost to Boise State \u2014 the past two seasons in the Mountain West championship game.<\/p>\n The successful season sent coach Barry Odom packing<\/a> for a better paying job at Purdue.<\/p>\n UNLV, now with former Florida and Mississippi State Dan Mullen calling the shots<\/a>, will open the new season Aug. 25 at Sam Houston State.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n