Rebel Daily Drive 7.15.2026 | Mountain West Media Days Interview with Jet Thomas and Lucas Conti

Rebel Daily Drive 7.15.2026 | Mountain West Media Days Interview with EJ Colson & Kam Thomas (UTEP)

The Rebel Daily Drive continues its coverage from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days with UTEP quarterback EJ Colson and Miner Back Kam Thomas. Thomas explains the Miner Back position, a hybrid role that allows him to contribute as a receiver, runner and return specialist. After earning All-Conference USA honors as a punt returner in 2024, he enters the season with bigger goals, including becoming an All-American and competing for the Jet Award. Colson discusses his path from UCF to UIW and now UTEP. Moving from the FBS level to the FCS taught him to remain patient, continue working and never take an opportunity for granted. After earning the starting quarterback job following spring practice, Colson says the announcement did not create his confidence. Instead, it confirmed the belief he already had in his ability and gave him another opportunity to prove himself. The Miners open the season against Oklahoma and Michigan, but Colson and Thomas are not approaching either matchup simply hoping to compete. UTEP is preparing to win and believes the early schedule will immediately show what the program can become. The players describe UTEP’s identity as fearless, competitive and disciplined. Their goals extend beyond having a successful first season in the Mountain West. The Miners want to win the conference, become the highest-ranked Group of Five program and compete for a College Football Playoff berth. Thomas also discusses returning to full health after injuries limited him last season. He says he is back to 100 percent and has regained the speed that makes him one of UTEP’s most dangerous offensive and special-teams weapons. Colson explains how his dual-threat ability can affect a defense even when he does not carry the ball. Whether operating inside the pocket, extending plays, running or carrying out a fake, he wants his presence to influence every snap. Thomas praises Colson’s leadership and says the quarterback has helped bring the offense together. He believes UTEP now has a player capable of reading defenses and creating explosive plays with both his arm and legs. The conversation also covers UTEP’s team chemistry and how healthy competition has helped the roster grow closer. The players describe a locker room where teammates push one another during workouts and celebrate each other’s success. Away from football, the Miners build those relationships through cookouts, pool gatherings, games and time together as a team. Tap in for the full UTEP football interview from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days. THE SCARLET STANDARD Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/ [https://the-scarlet-standard.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia] X: https://x.com/SS_MediaLV [https://x.com/SS_MediaLV] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/ [https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v [https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v] Subscribe for complete UNLV and Mountain West football coverage, including interviews, analysis, recruiting news and daily updates. #UTEPFootball #UTEPMiners #EJColson #KamThomas #MountainWest #MountainWestFootball #CollegeFootball #RebelDailyDrive

Rebel Daily Drive 7.15.2026 | MW Media Days Interview with Ethan Powell and Naseri Danielson

The Rebel Daily Drive continues its coverage from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days with San Jose State linebackers Ethan Powell and Naseri Danielson. Powell and Danielson discuss how the Spartans have responded to a difficult 2025 season and the work being done to establish a more physical, disciplined and accountable identity. The conversation begins with San Jose State’s offseason progress and the development of quarterback Luke Weaver. The players explain how Weaver has stepped into the opening left by Walker Eget and grown into a stronger leader of the offense. They also discuss the changes to the coaching staff, including Bojay Filimoeatu’s promotion to defensive coordinator. Powell and Danielson praise the energy, intensity and accountability Filimoeatu brings to the program and explain why they believe his approach can elevate the defense. The Spartans want to prove they are a physical and violent unit that plays with consistent effort. As two of the key returning defenders, Powell and Danielson explain how they have taken on larger leadership roles and helped make the summer more player-led. San Jose State added several new players through the transfer portal, creating another challenge for a team trying to build chemistry quickly. Powell and Danielson discuss how offseason workouts, locker-room conversations, shared meals and time together away from football have helped bring the roster together. The conversation also turns to the variety of offenses across the new-look Mountain West. The Spartans will prepare for everything from Air Force’s option attack to Hawaii’s run-and-shoot concepts and North Dakota State’s physical running game. Powell and Danielson discuss opening the season at USC and the opportunity to immediately test themselves against a marquee opponent. The Spartans are not interested in backing away from the challenge and want to prove they can compete with one of the nation’s most recognizable programs. They also explain how head coach Ken Niumatalolo has emphasized details and accountability throughout the offseason. After last year’s struggles, San Jose State is focused on moving forward with a new roster and a renewed standard. The episode closes with their dream NIL partnerships, including Snapple, their experience in Las Vegas, College Football 27 and the Mountain West environments they are most excited to visit. Tap in for the full San Jose State football interview from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days. THE SCARLET STANDARD Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/ [https://the-scarlet-standard.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia] X: https://x.com/SS_MediaLV [https://x.com/SS_MediaLV] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/ [https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v [https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v] Subscribe for complete UNLV and Mountain West football coverage, including interviews, analysis, recruiting news and daily updates. #SanJoseStateFootball #SJSUFootball #EthanPowell #NaseriDanielson #MountainWest #MountainWestFootball #CollegeFootball #RebelDailyDrive

Rebel Daily Drive 7.15.2026 | Mountain West Media Days Interview with Jet Thomas and Lucas Conti

The Rebel Daily Drive continues its coverage from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days with UNLV running back Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas and defensive lineman Lucas Conti. Thomas and Conti discuss why they returned to Las Vegas despite having opportunities to play elsewhere. Both remain motivated by the same unfinished goal after UNLV reached three consecutive Mountain West championship games without winning the title. Thomas explains what UNLV and Las Vegas have meant to him, while Conti discusses the bond he has built with his teammates and why he wants to win a championship with the group already in place. Thomas enters the season within range of UNLV’s career rushing record. After learning how close he is to the mark, he says breaking it has become another goal alongside competing for the Doak Walker Award and proving he belongs among the nation’s best running backs. The players also discuss their health entering the season. Thomas says he feels ready for the August 29 opener against Memphis, while Conti explains how improving his recovery habits has helped him manage the physical demands of college football. Conti breaks down his role along the defensive front and discusses the development of UNLV’s defense under Paul Guenther. He also explains how he has worked to become a more vocal and dependable leader. The conversation turns to UNLV’s quarterback competition between Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji. Thomas and Conti explain how each quarterback brings a different skill set and why both can help prepare the Rebels for the variety of offenses they will face. They also discuss Orji’s leadership during his injury recovery last season. Even while unable to play, he remained engaged on the sideline, helped teammates understand their assignments and became a trusted veteran presence. Thomas and Conti identify several players who could make an impact, including Cam Santee, Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu and freshman wide receiver Peyton Zachary. The players also address the pressure surrounding a program that has become a consistent championship contender. Their message is simple: UNLV must finish. After coming close in each of the past three seasons, the Rebels believe better execution in the biggest moments will determine whether they finally break through. The episode closes with UNLV’s team chemistry, the competition at the F1 Arcade, the new Mountain West schedule and the road environments the players are most excited to experience. Tap in for the full UNLV football interview from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days. THE SCARLET STANDARD Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/ [https://the-scarlet-standard.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia] X: https://x.com/SS_MediaLV [https://x.com/SS_MediaLV] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/ [https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v [https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v] Subscribe for complete UNLV and Mountain West football coverage, including interviews, analysis, recruiting news and daily updates. #UNLVFootball #UNLVRebels #JetThomas #LucasConti #MountainWest #MountainWestFootball #CollegeFootball #RebelDailyDrive

Rebel Daily Drive 7.15.2026 | MW Media Days Interview with Jack Foster and Marshaun Brown from UNR

The Rebel Daily Drive continues its coverage from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days with Nevada offensive lineman Jack Foster and wide receiver Marshaun Brown. Foster and Brown discuss the Wolf Pack’s effort to rebound after two difficult seasons and the importance of becoming a more disciplined team. Both players are focused on consistently executing their assignments and becoming the players Nevada needs to win. Brown explains what reclaiming the Fremont Cannon from UNLV would mean after the Rebels retained it in each of the past four seasons. Bringing the cannon back to Reno remains one of Nevada’s primary goals entering 2026. The players also break down Nevada’s new offense under offensive coordinator Brett Bartolone. Although the system includes Air Raid concepts, Foster explains that the Wolf Pack will continue emphasizing the running game and relying on the offensive line to create a more explosive and balanced attack. They discuss the development of quarterback Carter Jones, including his growth as a vocal leader and his increasing comfort within the program. Brown believes Jones is prepared to take another step after becoming more confident inside and outside the huddle. Nevada has also added several receivers and offensive linemen through the transfer portal. Foster and Brown explain how the incoming players have been welcomed into the program and why their experience, toughness and playmaking ability should improve the offense. The conversation turns to the variety of systems across the new-look Mountain West. Nevada will face everything from Air Force’s option attack to spread offenses and physical running teams, giving each program an opportunity to showcase its identity every week. Foster and Brown discuss the environments they are most excited to visit, including North Dakota State and Northern Illinois. They also reflect on playing at Boise State and Penn State and the pressure created by some of college football’s loudest stadiums. The players explain how Nevada builds chemistry through offseason workouts, position-group activities and Friday barbecues. They also discuss the difficult side of the transfer portal, including forming close relationships with teammates who may leave after one season. The episode closes with their dream NIL partnerships, favorite Chick-fil-A and Chipotle orders, the competition at the F1 Arcade and how faith helps them remain present and mentally grounded. Tap in for the full Nevada football interview from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days. THE SCARLET STANDARD Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/ [https://the-scarlet-standard.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia] X: https://x.com/SS_MediaLV [https://x.com/SS_MediaLV] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/ [https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v [https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v] Subscribe for complete UNLV and Mountain West football coverage, including interviews, analysis, recruiting news and daily updates.

Rebel Daily Drive 7.15.2026 | Mountain West Media Days Interview with Jack Layne and Jaxton Eck

The Rebel Daily Drive continues its coverage from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days with New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne and linebacker Jaxton Eck. Eck discusses being named the Mountain West Preseason Defensive Player of the Year after recording 129 tackles last season. He explains why the recognition does not change his approach and why New Mexico’s success remains more important than individual awards. Layne enters his second season as New Mexico’s starting quarterback after setting the program’s single-season completion percentage record. He discusses recovering from an elbow injury, becoming a more vocal leader and taking greater command of the team. The Lobos added former UNLV wide receiver Troy Omeire, giving Layne an experienced and physical target in the passing game. They also discuss running backs Kiefer Sibley, Cameron Mathews and Scottre Humphrey and how the group can help replace the production New Mexico lost during the offseason. The conversation turns to the developing rivalry between New Mexico and UNLV following last season’s dramatic meeting. Layne and Eck describe it as one of the most memorable games of their careers and explain why they expect another competitive matchup in 2026. They also discuss the new-look Mountain West and the variety of offensive systems teams will face each week. The conference includes North Dakota State’s physical running attack, Air Force’s option offense and several spread and pass-heavy systems, creating a different challenge every Saturday. Layne and Eck explain why the additions of North Dakota State, Northern Illinois and UTEP strengthen the conference and create a league in which every team believes it can compete for a championship. The players share their most anticipated road environments, including Wyoming and Hawaii, and discuss the challenge of remaining focused when traveling to Honolulu. The interview also covers their transitions from Idaho and the FCS level to New Mexico, including the increased speed and size in the trenches. They explain why adjusting quickly is one of the biggest keys for players moving to the FBS level. Layne and Eck also discuss roster turnover, the transfer portal and how workouts, team activities and time together away from football help build chemistry. The episode closes with their dream NIL partnerships, Chipotle orders, College Football 27 dynasties and how they stay mentally grounded during the season. Tap in for the full New Mexico football interview from the 2026 Mountain West Football Media Days. THE SCARLET STANDARD Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/ [https://the-scarlet-standard.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@ScarletStandardMedia] X: https://x.com/SS_MediaLV [https://x.com/SS_MediaLV] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/ [https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v [https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v] Subscribe for complete UNLV and Mountain West football coverage, including interviews, analysis, recruiting news and daily updates. #NewMexicoFootball #LobosFootball #JackLayne #JaxtonEck #MountainWest #MountainWestFootball #CollegeFootball #RebelDailyDrive