The UNLV Rebels (10-3) face the Ohio Bobcats (8-4) in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl, a matchup pitting a high-powered Mountain West offense against a resilient MAC defense in what could be a competitive postseason clash. UNLV, under first-year head coach Dan Mullen, seeks its first bowl win since 2013 after a breakout season that included upsets over ranked foes like Boise State. Ohio, led by interim defensive coordinator John Hauser following head coach Brian Smith’s indefinite leave, aims for a seventh straight bowl victory, relying on quarterback Parker Navarro’s efficiency and a stout run defense. This marks the second-ever meeting between the programs, with UNLV’s explosive passing attack (averaging 34.5 points per game) clashing against Ohio’s opportunistic secondary (16 interceptions). Expect a game decided in the trenches, where turnovers and special teams could swing momentum in the neutral-site environment.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Ford Center at The Star (also known as Toyota Stadium) in Frisco, Texas. This multi-purpose venue, part of the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters complex, has a seating capacity of 12,000 for bowl games and features a natural grass field. Opened in 2016, it’s equipped with modern amenities like high-definition video boards and premium seating, providing an intimate atmosphere for college football.
Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with streaming available via ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage includes the UNLV Sports Network and Ohio Sports Network.
Weather Forecast
Frisco’s December weather is mild but variable. For December 23, 2025, expect a high of 73°F during the day, dropping to around 50°F by kickoff, with sunny to partly cloudy skies and a low 1% chance of precipitation. Winds will be light at 7 mph, with humidity around 79%. These conditions should favor a fast-paced game, though cooler evening temps could affect grip on passes and kicks.
Injury Report
Both teams are managing key absences, with UNLV hit harder in skill positions and Ohio dealing with defensive depth issues, potentially leading to conservative strategies.
UNLV Rebels Injuries:
- Keyes Gumms (TE): Questionable (undisclosed); a hamstring issue could limit red-zone targets.
- Cameron Friel (QB): Questionable (undisclosed); backup QB’s status impacts depth behind starter Matthew Sluka.
- Alex Orji (QB): Out for season (undisclosed); suffered in September, thinning the quarterback room.
- Star running back: Out (undisclosed); a significant loss to the ground game, as noted in recent reports.
- C. Bell (WR): Out (knee, torn ACL); season-ending injury weakens the receiving corps.
Ohio Bobcats Injuries:
- Khamani Debrow (WR): Out (undisclosed); impacts receiving depth.
- Kaden Hurst (WR): Out (undisclosed); further thins the wideout group.
- Max Rodarte (WR): Out (undisclosed); additional loss to the passing game.
- Rashad Perry (WR): Out (undisclosed); multiple WR absences could hinder offense.
- K. Seegars (DL): Questionable (undisclosed); defensive line depth at risk.
- T. Mathis (CB): Questionable (undisclosed); secondary could be vulnerable if out.
Key Player Matchups
This bowl emphasizes offensive firepower against defensive opportunism, with quarterback mobility and secondary battles key in a potential high-scoring affair.
- Matthew Sluka (UNLV QB) vs. Ohio Secondary: Sluka’s dual-threat prowess (2,500+ passing yards, 1,000+ rushing yards) tests Ohio’s unit led by S Dylan Lawrence (4 PBUs), which ranks mid-pack but excels in turnovers.
- Parker Navarro (Ohio QB) vs. UNLV Front Seven: Navarro’s efficiency (2,200+ yards, 20 TDs) faces UNLV’s disruptive line, anchored by DL Alexander Whitmore (7 sacks), in a matchup that could limit Ohio’s read-option.
- UNLV WR Ricky White vs. Ohio CB Tank Pearson: White’s big-play ability (900+ yards, 8 TDs) challenges Pearson’s coverage, potentially creating mismatches if UNLV exploits Ohio’s 220 yards allowed per game.
- Ohio RB Anthony Tyus III vs. UNLV LB Jackson Woodard: Tyus’s ground game (800+ yards) tests Woodard’s tackling (team-high 100+ stops), crucial for controlling tempo against UNLV’s up-tempo attack.
Team Records
- UNLV Rebels: 10-3 overall (6-2 Mountain West), finishing second in the conference with wins over ranked teams like Boise State.
- Ohio Bobcats: 8-4 overall (6-2 MAC), third in the MAC with a strong home record.
Recent Team Forms
UNLV closed with momentum, while Ohio rebounded late after mid-season struggles.
UNLV Rebels (Last 5 Games): Averaging 33.8 points scored and 21.6 allowed, with a 4-1 finish. Form: L-W-W-W-W.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Nov 29 | @ Nevada | W 42-21 |
| Nov 21 | vs Hawaii | W 38-10 |
| Nov 15 | vs Utah State | W 29-26 (2OT) |
| Nov 8 | @ San Jose State | W 35-28 |
| Nov 1 | vs Boise State | L 24-31 |
Ohio Bobcats (Last 5 Games): Averaging 30.2 points scored and 23.4 allowed, ending on a two-game win streak. Form: W-W-L-W-L.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Nov 29 | vs Miami (OH) | W 28-21 |
| Nov 22 | @ Toledo | W 35-28 |
| Nov 15 | vs Eastern Michigan | L 21-28 |
| Nov 8 | @ Kent State | W 42-14 |
| Nov 1 | vs Buffalo | L 24-31 |
Conference vs Conference
This features the Mountain West Conference (UNLV) against the Mid-American Conference (MAC, Ohio). Historically, MAC teams hold a 32-35 record against MWC opponents overall, but MWC squads are 4-3 in recent bowl matchups, often leveraging stronger offenses in neutral-site games.
Series History
UNLV leads the all-time series 1-0, with a +8 point differential. The lone meeting was on September 24, 1988, when UNLV won 26-18 at Sam Boyd Stadium. The programs haven’t faced off since, making this a rare rematch after 37 years. That game averaged 44 combined points, but historical trends suggest lower-scoring affairs in neutral venues.
Betting Trends
- UNLV is 8-5 ATS overall and 4-1 ATS in its last five games.
- Ohio is 5-6-1 ATS but 3-2 ATS as underdogs.
- The over has hit in 7 of UNLV’s 13 games and 6 of Ohio’s last 10.
- MWC teams are 4-2 ATS vs. MAC in bowls over the last six years.
Historical Betting Results
In the last five Frisco Bowls, favorites are 3-2 SU and ATS, with overs hitting in three. Past results include 2023 UTSA -7.5 covering in a 35-17 win, and 2022 Boise State -12 failing to cover in a 35-32 victory. Overall, underdogs have covered in 4 of the last 7 Frisco Bowls.
Game Odds
UNLV Rebels – 6.5
Ohio Bobcats 65.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
