RENO, 2025-07-06
Wolf Pack’s Quest for Gridiron Redemption
Can Nevada overcome a tough schedule?
- Wolf Pack aims to improve after a 3-9 season in 2024.
- Key additions to the offensive line bolster returning talent like QB Chubba Purdy.
- Challenging schedule includes Penn State and tough Mountain West matchups.
- FanDuel sets the over/under at 3.5 wins for the 2025 season.
The Nevada Wolf Pack football team faces an uphill battle in 2025; **can they exceed expectations and win more than 3.5 games, given their challenging schedule and recent performance?**
After a promising start to the decade, the Nevada Wolf Pack has struggled, falling into mediocrity. The 2022 season saw them finish 2-10 after losing 10 straight games. They repeated that record in 2023. A new head coach, Jeff Choate, brought a slight improvement in 2024, but a 3-9 record leaves much to be desired.
Portal Losses and O-Line Additions
Nevada struggled to retain talent from the 2024 team via the transfer portal. Junior quarterback Brendon Lewis departed for Memphis.
However, the Wolf Pack has been active in adding new players, particularly focusing on both sides of the offensive line. The addition of former FCS players and Trenton Scott, a former Texas State starting tackle, should bolster the team.
Returning Talent and Defensive Needs
Quarterback Chubba Purdy, is expected to start in 2025. Key wide receiver Marcus Bellon, who recorded 522 yards in 2024, is also returning.
Linebacker Stone Combs, who made 58 tackles in 2024, is a notable returner on the defensive side. The team allowed 24.92 points per game, a middle-of-the-pack result in the Mountain West conference.
Navigating a Difficult Schedule
Nevada’s non-conference schedule features games against Penn State, Sacramento State, Middle Tennessee, and Western Kentucky. The game against Penn State presents the toughest challenge. Nevada should be favored in home games against Sacramento State and Middle Tennessee. The road game against Western Kentucky will be a difficult test.
Following the non-conference games, Nevada faces eight consecutive Mountain West conference games. These include matchups against Fresno State, San Diego State, New Mexico, and Boise State. Games against San Diego State and New Mexico offer chances for victory.
The season concludes with games against Utah State, San Jose State, Wyoming, and UNLV. Securing a win in one of these games will be challenging, especially against UNLV.
Path to Improvement
Nevada needs continued progress, relying on offensive players and improving the offensive line. With these improvements, the Wolf Pack could realistically win four games next season.
FanDuel currently sets the over/under for Wolf Pack wins in 2025 at 3.5 (Over: -124, Under: +102).
If Nevada can establish a consistent recruiting strategy and retain key players, the Wolf Pack could contend for the Mountain West title in the coming years.
