Legacy on the Line: Arkansas State and UNLV Fight for Their First National Title

By Champ Jackson, Saturday Night Chronicles

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the undefeated Arkansas State Red Wolves (15-0) will battle the surging UNLV Rebels (14-1) for their first-ever FBS national championship. With both teams bringing dynamic offenses, passionate fanbases, and significant stakes, the atmosphere is set to be electric in this historic matchup.

A Year-End Review: Paths to the Championship

For Arkansas State, the 2025 season has been a story of redemption and domination. After a disappointing loss to Old Dominion in Week 14 of 2024, the Red Wolves entered this season determined to leave no doubt. Going 9-0 against teams with winning records, they’ve run through their schedule with precision. Their focus has been businesslike all year, and now, with one game left, they are on the cusp of a perfect season.

For UNLV, their rise has been meteoric. After a tough Week 3 loss to Arkansas State, many doubted whether the Rebels could hang with the elite. But that all changed after a pivotal Week 9 victory over Hawaii. According to Santi Melendez, UNLV’s star freshman quarterback, “That game was a turning point. We realized we weren’t just a good team—we were a team with championship potential.” Melendez has credited Coach Hayden for helping him adjust to the complexity of the go-go offense. “The go-go offense is tough to learn, but Coach Hayden kept it simple at first. Each week, he added a bit more, and by the end of the season, I was fully comfortable with it,” Melendez said.

Quarterback Duel: Jaylen Raynor vs. Santi Melendez

At the heart of this clash are the quarterbacks. Jaylen Raynor of Arkansas State and Santi Melendez of UNLV have carried their teams all year, and their performances in this game will be pivotal.

Raynor, a veteran with 30 starts under his belt, has been a consistent force for the Red Wolves. His stat line is impressive—5446 passing yards, 72 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions—but it’s his leadership that stands out. Raynor’s ability to bounce back from adversity, despite being sacked 81 times, has been a hallmark of his game. Coach Bryan reflected on what makes Raynor special: “Jaylen has shown incredible leadership, moxie, and heart all season. He’s the heartbeat of this team. His drive to bring a national championship back to Jonesboro is unmatched. He never gives up, no matter the circumstances, and that’s what sets him apart.”

When asked whether he’d prefer the Heisman Trophy or a national championship, Raynor didn’t hesitate: “Give me the national title. That’s what we play for.”

On the other side, Santi Melendez, the true freshman sensation, has posted jaw-dropping numbers: 6303 passing yards, 76 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. His dual-threat capability is equally dangerous, adding 1204 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. Despite this being his first season, Melendez has grown rapidly. “I feel like I’ve matured so much this season,” Melendez said. “At the start, everything felt fast, but by midseason, I was comfortable. The coaching staff has been great, and now I feel like I’m playing at an elite level.”

When asked if he feels pressure going up against Jaylen Raynor and Arkansas State’s prolific offense, Melendez responded confidently: “I was First Team All-American this year, and Jaylen was Second Team. Maybe you should ask Jaylen if he should be worried about going up against the Rebel offense.”

Strength of Schedule: Battle-Tested vs. Underdog

Arkansas State is likely the more battle-tested team heading into this game. They’ve faced nine teams with winning records and emerged victorious in all of them. Their ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure games has been a defining trait of their season. An anonymous Sun Belt coach mentioned, “Arkansas State is built for this. They’ve played tough games all year. I don’t think UNLV is ready for the kind of physicality they bring.”

In contrast, UNLV has played just five teams with winning records, going 4-1 in those games. While their journey hasn’t been as grueling, they’ve hit their stride at the perfect time. A coach from the Mountain West said, “If UNLV wins, the Mountain West not only gets a national champion but could lay claim to the Heisman winner. It would be a monumental moment for the conference.”

Implications of a Victory: Building for the Future

This game isn’t just about 2025—it’s about the future of both programs.

For Arkansas State, this will be Jaylen Raynor’s final game as a Red Wolf. Stepping into his shoes next year will be Connor Wojciechowski (Woj), who has big cleats to fill. The Red Wolves will also lose key offensive stars, including Ja’Quez Cross, Malik Hornsby, Corey Rucker, and all five starting offensive linemen. On defense, six starters are set to graduate. Coach Bryan acknowledged the significance of this game for his program’s future: “Bringing a national championship to Arkansas State would be huge for the school, the city, and our fans. It’s been our goal from day one, and this team has worked tirelessly to make it happen. We’ve got a great future, but winning it all would cement our place in college football history.”

For UNLV, the stakes are equally high. With three starting offensive linemen and five defensive starters set to graduate, the Rebels will need to fill significant holes. However, most of their offensive weapons, including Melendez, will return. A victory here would not only establish them as a national power but would provide a huge recruiting boost, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with.

Game Plan and Pressure

Arkansas State will rely on Raynor’s leadership and dual-threat capabilities to control the game. Expect them to run a balanced offense, keeping the pressure on UNLV’s defense, which will be without several key players from next year. Arkansas State’s defense has proven resilient in high-stakes situations, and they’ll need to contain Melendez to secure the win.

For UNLV, the game plan revolves around keeping Arkansas State’s defense guessing. Melendez’s ability to make plays with his legs and arm will be crucial. “We’ve grown into an offense that can strike quickly or control the clock,” said Melendez. Coach Hayden has adapted the go-go offense, starting simple and layering more complexity as the season progressed. “Coach kept adding more, and I kept getting more comfortable,” Melendez explained.

The X-Factor: Future Stars and Legacies

While the focus is on the quarterbacks, both teams have key players who could turn the tide. Arkansas State’s defense has been rock-solid, and Ja’Quez Cross could be an X-factor on offense. For UNLV, Melendez’s supporting cast, including his talented returning receivers, will need to step up and make big plays.

The legacies of these two programs will be cemented in Miami. A win for Arkansas State could solidify a dynasty, even with so many stars leaving. For UNLV, a victory would catapult them to national prominence and prove that they are a team capable of sustained success.

Predictions: Who Will Win?

The national championship has media personalities buzzing with excitement, and five leading voices in college football have weighed in with their predictions:

Champ Jackson: Arkansas State has been focused all season, and while UNLV has made an impressive run, I think Jaylen Raynor will lead the Red Wolves to a hard-fought victory. Arkansas State’s defense is underrated and should make the key stops when it matters. My pick: Arkansas State wins 38-31.

Andy Staples, On3: I love what UNLV has done this season, but Arkansas State has been battle-tested. Raynor’s experience will be the difference. My pick: Arkansas State 41-28.

Dan Rubenstein, The Solid Verbal: Santi Melendez has been unbelievable, and he’s playing like a veteran, not a freshman. If UNLV can protect him just enough, I think they’ll shock the world. My pick: UNLV 35-34.

Sam Khan, The Athletic: Arkansas State’s depth and experience should give them the edge, but I wouldn’t count UNLV out if this turns into a shootout. Still, I think Raynor gets his championship. My pick: Arkansas State 42-38.

Braden Gall, Athlon Sports: This is a fascinating matchup, but at the end of the day, Arkansas State has been the most complete team all season. They’ll close it out with a national title. My pick: Arkansas State 45-30.

As the nation tunes in for this historic clash, one thing is certain: college football is about to witness a national championship for the ages.

The 2025 National Champion will be?...

• UNLV
• Arkansas State