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RENO, Nev. — April 9, 2025 — The Nevada Wolf Pack football team delivered a resounding statement in their 2025 home opener Saturday afternoon, dismantling the visiting Southern Utah Thunderbirds 38-17 in front of a record-setting crowd at Mackay Stadium. The victory not only gave the Wolf Pack its first home-opening win in five years but also showcased a balanced attack and a stifling defense that forced four turnovers.
Fifth-year senior quarterback Brendon Lewis, who transferred to Nevada from Colorado before the 2023 season, looked every bit the veteran leader. He completed 24 of 33 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball to seven different receivers. Lewis also rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown on designed runs, showing the dual-threat ability that offensive coordinator Matt Mumme has been refining all spring.
“I felt really comfortable in the pocket,” Lewis said after the game. “The offensive line gave me time, and the receivers made plays. We’ve been working on timing and chemistry all camp, and it showed today.”
Running back Sean Dollars added 89 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown, providing a consistent ground game that kept the Thunderbirds’ defense honest. The Wolf Pack amassed 471 total yards of offense, their highest single-game total since 2022.
The Wolf Pack defense, under new coordinator Kwame Agyeman, wasted no time establishing dominance. On the Thunderbirds’ second possession, safety Emany Johnson intercepted a tipped pass and returned it 34 yards to set up Nevada’s first touchdown. The defense added three more takeaways — two fumble recoveries and another interception — and held Southern Utah to just 3.8 yards per play.
“We challenged the guys all week to be the aggressors,” Agyeman said. “We wanted to force turnovers, create negative plays, and put the offense in good field position. The execution was outstanding.”
Linebacker Drue Watts led the team with 11 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Defensive end Henry Ikahihifo recorded two sacks, consistently pressuring Thunderbirds quarterback Justin Miller.
The announced attendance of 27,432 was the largest for a Wolf Pack home opener in the program’s history, surpassing the previous record of 26,891 set in 2018. The student section was packed, and the “Wolf Pack Roar” chants echoed throughout the fourth quarter.
“This is why we came here,” said Lewis. “The energy was electric. Every time we made a play, the crowd lifted us up. It’s a huge advantage playing at home in front of this many people.”
Athletic director Stephanie Rempe, who was honored before the game for her 10 years of service, noted the significance of the turnout. “It shows the community is rallying behind this team. We’ve worked hard to build a culture of excitement, and today’s crowd is a testament to that.”
The Wolf Pack improve to 1–0 on the season and will travel to face the University of Texas at San Antonio next Saturday. After that, they open Mountain West Conference play against Colorado State on September 20. Head coach Ken Wilson, now in his third season, said the team must build on this performance.
“We’re happy with the win, but we can’t get complacent,” Wilson said. “There are still things to clean up — penalties, some missed assignments on special teams. But the effort and energy were there. That’s a good foundation.”
Longtime season ticket holder Rick Martinez, a Reno native who has attended Wolf Pack games since 1985, said this was the most complete performance he’s seen in years. “The offense looked crisp, the defense was flying around, and the crowd was amazing. This feels like the start of something special.”
Martinez noted that the program has struggled to build momentum in recent seasons, but the combination of a veteran quarterback, an aggressive defense, and strong home support could change the trajectory.
The Wolf Pack’s home opener was more than a win — it was a statement. With a record crowd, a balanced offensive attack, and a defense that forced four turnovers, Nevada showed it has the pieces to compete in the Mountain West. The road ahead includes tough tests, but for one Saturday in Reno, the Wolf Pack howled louder than ever.
