UNLV QB Anthony Colandrea Enters Transfer Portal After Breakout Season

The 2025 UNLV football season was a breakthrough campaign under first-year head coach Dan Mullen. The Rebels won 10 games, reached the Mountain West Championship, and showcased an offense capable of playing fast and spreading the field. A central figure in that success was quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who thrived in Mullen’s system.

Colandrea, however, has now decided to leave Las Vegas, entering the transfer portal as first reported by ESPN senior college football writer Pete Thamel. The decision marks a significant shift after the quarterback initially expressed satisfaction with his situation and focus on development over financial considerations.

Earlier, Colandrea told reporters, “I’m not making my decision based on money. I’m making my decision based on my future. My future is good here with Coach Dennis and Coach Mullen.” His recent reversal suggests he may have received an opportunity elsewhere that aligns more closely with his long-term goals.

The news comes after a Frisco Bowl defeat to Ohio, 17-10, which capped a successful yet bittersweet season. Colandrea’s departure leaves a notable vacancy in UNLV’s offense and immediately positions him as one of the most experienced quarterbacks available in the transfer portal.

1. Colandrea’s Performance at UNLV

Anthony Colandrea’s fit in Mullen’s offensive scheme was near perfect. The 6-foot, 205-pound Florida native combined mobility, arm talent, and experience to maximize UNLV’s spread offense. He threw for 3,459 yards, 23 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 65.9% of his passes in 2025. In addition to his passing numbers, Colandrea contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns on 127 carries. His dual-threat capability made him a difficult matchup for Mountain West defenses and a central piece of UNLV’s offensive identity. Colandrea’s growth in Las Vegas came after an uneven tenure at Virginia, where he started 18 games over two seasons before being benched in the 2024 finale. The move to UNLV provided him with stability, playing time, and the opportunity to flourish in a system tailored to his strengths. By the end of 2025, he had earned Mountain West Player of the Year honors and solidified himself as a high-profile transfer candidate. His combination of passing proficiency, rushing ability, and leadership experience makes him a coveted target for programs seeking an immediate quarterback upgrade.

2. Career Overview and Transfer Potential

Across his collegiate career, Colandrea has amassed 8,693 total yards, 61 touchdowns, and 36 turnovers, blending productivity with versatility. His resume demonstrates an ability to adapt to different systems and handle significant responsibilities under center. Colandrea’s decision to enter the portal comes at a pivotal moment for both himself and UNLV. The Rebels will need to replace a proven offensive leader, while Colandrea will evaluate programs that can maximize his exposure and NFL prospects. The Frisco Bowl loss likely added context to his decision, emphasizing the need for a new environment where he can compete at a high level and continue developing his game. With his experience and accolades, multiple programs are expected to show interest immediately. Ultimately, Colandrea’s move underscores the growing trend of veteran quarterbacks leveraging the transfer portal to find optimal situations, balancing playing style, exposure, and long-term professional aspirations.

3. Looking Ahead

For UNLV, the challenge will be maintaining offensive momentum after losing a central figure in Colandrea. The Rebels’ coaching staff will need to identify a successor capable of executing Mullen’s system and sustaining team chemistry. For Colandrea, the portal represents an opportunity to join a program that fits his style, maximizes exposure, and positions him for potential NFL consideration. His experience and skill set make him one of the top quarterback options available this offseason. His decision will likely shape the narrative of the 2026 transfer landscape, as programs in need of a proven starter evaluate the impact he can bring immediately. Colandrea’s journey from Virginia to UNLV and now into the transfer portal highlights both his resilience and strategic approach to his career. As college football continues to see increased quarterback mobility, Colandrea’s next destination will be one of the most closely watched moves of the offseason.