UNLV football keeps finding ways to make national noise under Dan Mullen.
Donovan McNabb Jr., a three-star wide receiver in the 2027 class and the son of former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb, committed to the Rebels on Friday night. The commitment gives UNLV another recognizable name in a recruiting cycle that already has the program moving differently.
A big-name pull
McNabb chose UNLV over other programs, including Syracuse, where his father became a star before being selected No. 2 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1999 NFL Draft.
According to 247Sports, McNabb is rated as the No. 107 wide receiver nationally and the No. 18 prospect in Arizona. He plays at Brophy College Prep, where he had 23 catches for 280 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.
That production came on a roster that also included Devin Fitzgerald, the son of former NFL standout Larry Fitzgerald.
Why it matters
For UNLV, this is about more than a famous last name. It is another sign that the Rebels are being taken seriously by recruits with options.
Mullen’s program is coming off a 10-2 season and a Mountain West Championship game appearance in 2025. The Rebels also hold the top-ranked 2027 recruiting class in the Mountain West, according to 247Sports.
Vegas keeps building
McNabb’s commitment gives UNLV a national storyline and a developmental receiver with clear upside.
For a program trying to turn one strong season into something sustainable, wins like this matter. UNLV is not just selling opportunity anymore. It is selling momentum.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
