On Wednesday, the Watch List for the 13th annual Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award was released, featuring three football players from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Junior quarterback Alex Orji, senior wide receiver Troy Omeire, and senior wide receiver Jojo Earle have been named as nominees for this recognition. The award is given annually to an offensive player in Division I football with ties to Texas who demonstrates qualities attributed to Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Earl Campbell.
According to the UNLV Rebels’ official website: “The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity; specifically, tenacity to persist and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals. In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: Played football at and graduated from a Texas high school and/or currently playing at Texas D1 four-year college.” The site further explained: “The Watch List announced today will be narrowed to up to 16 semifinalists in November and then up to five finalists in December. They will be selected by broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans, and previous winners. The winner will be announced in December and celebrated at The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026, in Tyler, Texas.”
Orji transferred to UNLV from Michigan after attending Sachse High School in Texas. He is competing with Anthony Colandrea for the starting quarterback role. Head coach Dan Mullen has not yet named a starter but confirmed Orji would participate during Week Zero.
Omeire began his college career at Texas before transferring from Arizona State University. He played high school football at Fort Bend Austin High School.
Earle is a transfer from TCU who attended Aledo High School in Texas.
All three athletes are expected to play significant roles for UNLV this season.
