The Nevada Wolf Pack and the UNLV Rebels are the football programs representing the University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), respectively. The Wolf Pack and the Rebels compete in the Mountain West Conference. The Wolf Pack began their collegiate journey in 1896 and the Rebels in 1968. The Nevada Wolf Pack play at the Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nevada whereas the UNLV Rebels play their home games at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both Nevada and UNLV have helped players win All-American honors and have drafted players to the NFL teams. The rivalry between these two programs is a big annual contest, named the ‘Battle for the Fremont Cannon,’ with both teams battling for state pride. The matchups are immensely competitive, and both programs fight for supremacy within the state of Nevada.
Nevada vs UNLV Football Rivalry History
The annual Nevada vs UNLV football rivalry is popularly known as the ‘Battle for the Fremont Cannon.’ The University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, have held this annual competition since 1969. Every year, both teams battle each other to determine which team would dominate the state of Nevada. The winner is awarded the Fremont Cannon trophy, a big-colorful cannon, representing John Fremont's abandoned howitzer cannon. According to tradition, the cannon is painted with the colors of the winning team. The first time the teams faced each other was on Thanksgiving Day in 1969 when Nevada brought home the trophy. The rivalry is dominated by strong contests, passionate fans, and historic moments that have shaped both programs' football history.
Nevada vs UNLV Football Rivalry Head-to-Head Stats
Below is a table stating the all-time head-to-head record between Nevada and UNLV until the 2023 season:
| Stat | Nevada | UNLV |
| First Meeting (1969) | 30 | 28 |
| Total Meetings | 49 | |
| All-Time Wins | 29 | 20 |
| Largest victory | 50-8 | 45-7 |
| Longest Win Streak | 8 (2005–2012) | 5 (2000-2004) |
| Illibuck Trophy | 28 | 20 |
Nevada vs UNLV Football Rivalry Winner Year-by-Year
Here are the winners of the Nevada vs UNLV football rivalry games from 2000 to 2023, along with the scoreline for each matchup:
| Year | Winner | Score |
| 2000 | Nevada | 42-14 |
| 2001 | Nevada | 34-14 |
| 2002 | UNLV | 27-22 |
| 2003 | Nevada | 24-21 |
| 2004 | UNLV | 23-21 |
| 2005 | Nevada | 49-27 |
| 2006 | Nevada | 28-18 |
| 2007 | UNLV | 27-0 |
| 2008 | Nevada | 27-22 |
| 2009 | UNLV | 27-22 |
| 2010 | Nevada | 44-26 |
| 2011 | Nevada | 37-0 |
| 2012 | Nevada | 49-41 |
| 2013 | Nevada | 27-22 |
| 2014 | Nevada | 30-17 |
| 2015 | Nevada | 33-30 |
| 2016 | Nevada | 45-10 |
| 2017 | Nevada | 30-20 |
| 2018 | UNLV | 27-24 |
| 2019 | UNLV | 33-30 |
| 2020 | UNLV | 38-30 |
| 2021 | Nevada | 51-20 |
| 2022 | Nevada | 27-22 |
| 2023 | Nevada | 37-24 |
FAQs on Nevada and UNLV
A. Both teams play in the Mountain West Conference.
A. Nevada's football team is called the Wolf Pack.
A. UNLV's football team is called the Rebels.
A. The rivalry trophy is the Fremont Cannon.
