Barry Odom’s social media post was simple, smart and witty.
And it was much needed for his fan base, reaffirming what UNLV faithful had sensed about their football coach: He’s a Rebel, just like us.
New UNR coach Jeff Choate on Monday posted to social media that he was “Down here planting this Flag!” while recruiting in Las Vegas. The post included clip art of the UNR flag waving above the Strip with the message, “Turn Las Vegas blue.”
Odom replied to the post on X (formerly Twitter) with a picture of the Fremont Cannon — it rotates between the winner of the UNLV-UNR rivalry — painted red.
Well done, coach.
UNLV supporters on social media excitedly took notice — just like the Rebels fan base has taken notice of how beautifully Odom is constructing the program into a Mountain West power.
The timing of the post Monday afternoon was significant. It eased the nerves of some UNLV supporters who worried whether Odom was being considered for the sudden coaching vacancy at the University of Arizona.
Arizona wound up picking Brent Brennan from San Jose State, meaning UNLV is poised to continue its upward trajectory with the man who in 2023 brought more winning to the program than decades’ worth of UNLV coaches before him.
In his first season in Las Vegas, Odom led UNLV to its first nine-win season since 1984, was the Mountain West Coach of the Year and was a finalist for national coach of the year honors.
So, yes, when a job opens nationally, our guy is going to get mentioned as a possibility. If he can turn UNLV into a winner in one season, the logic is that he could do it elsewhere.
Here’s a sentence few thought would be written: It’s an honor that other fan bases would consider Odom as someoneto upgrade their program.
But Odom has never wavered in his commitment to UNLV and bringing a championship team to Las Vegas.
While social media was chirping about Arizona, Odom was busy hosting recruits on campus in what was arguably the most successful recruiting weekend in his 13-month tenure.
With the haul of transfers he secured, it’s clear the Rebels will again be in contention for the league title. They may even be the favorites.
The most notable score in recruiting came at quarterback, where Holy Cross graduate Matt Sluka committed to join the program for his final year of eligibility. Sluka passed for 1,728 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2023, and also rushed for nine scores in 1,247 yards.
He’ll be dynamic in UNLV’s fast-paced offense, and potentially an upgrade from last year’s starter, Jayden Maiava. So awesome at UNLV was the redshirt freshman, Southern California came calling for Maiava.
Defensively, Odom scored a commitment from Tony Grimes, a former five-star recruit who played in 36 career games with North Carolina. Grimes is transferring from Texas A&M, but never played for the Aggies because of injury.
UNLV also got a commitment from two players with ties to Arkansas, where Odom was the defensive coordinator before coming to UNLV.
Defensive back Malik Chavis was also limited by injury last season, but started six games in 2022 at Arkansas. Jalen Catalon, a former four-star prospect, spent three years at Arkansas and last season was at Texas.
The recruits are like many supporters: They’re realizing this is a great time to be a Rebel. Odom certainly is living by that mantra.