Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

UNLV secures Island Showdown trophy with 21-6 victory over Hawaii

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 5:47 AM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

UNLV secures Island Showdown trophy with 21-6 victory over Hawaii

Summary

UNLV earned its first win of the season Saturday night by defeating Hawaii 21-6 in Honolulu. Jai'den Thomas recorded 143 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Rebels, while Jackson Arnold contributed two rushing scores and 116 passing yards. UNLV held a 14-3 lead at halftime and prevented Hawaii from scoring a touchdown throughout the contest. The Rainbow Warriors struggled to convert in the second half, with late drives ending in a turnover on downs, a punt, and an interception by Micah Alejado. This result marks the fourth consecutive Island Showdown trophy for UNLV. The Rebels move to 1-1 on the season and travel to play North Texas next Saturday, while Hawaii falls to 0-2 and prepares to host New Mexico State.

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By the Numbers

•Jai'den Thomas rushed for 143 yards and one touchdown.
•Jackson Arnold recorded two rushing touchdowns and 116 passing yards.
•UNLV outgained Hawaii 364-294 in total offensive yardage.
•Hawaii dropped to 0-2 on the season after failing to score a touchdown.
•UNLV visits North Texas next Saturday while Hawaii hosts New Mexico State.

Latest Updates

5:47 AMYahoo Sports — Thomas and Arnold lead UNLV past Hawaii 21-6 to win fourth straight Island Showdown

What they're saying

"
Jai'den Thomas rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown, Jackson Arnold rushed for 89 yards and two scores along with 116 passing yards, and UNLV weathered Hawaii's attempted comeback in a 21-6 victory on Saturday night. UNLV, which received four points in the AP Top 25 Poll, captured their fourth straight Island Showdown trophy. Hawaii and UNLV have met in 18 straight seasons, the longest active streak against any team for the Rainbow Warriors.
— Yahoo Sports

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