UNLV coach Dan Mullen announced on Monday that quarterback Alex Orji will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a serious injury affecting both his hamstring and knee. Mullen described the condition of Orji’s hamstring as one that “ripped completely off the bone,” alongside a Grade 3 LCL sprain.

“The devastating part is not just the loss of his talent on the field, but his leadership, his demeanor, the man that he is, it’s just heartbreaking.” — Coach Dan Mullen on Alex Orji’s injury.

Here’s the play that resulted in Orji’s season-ending injury:

Alex Orji is out for the season, according to UNLV Head Coach Dan Mullen. Mullen states that Orji has a Grade 3 LCL injury, and his hamstring tore off the bone. A clip of the final snap Orji took during the game against UCLA can be seen below.

A three-star recruit from the class of 2022, Orji committed to Michigan and spent the first three years of his college career with the Wolverines. He had limited opportunities in 2022 and 2023, before taking the field for 11 games last year primarily in run-focused formations.

Orji’s performance at UNLV was similar, having only thrown three passes (completing all for 37 yards) and gained 42 rushing yards with a single touchdown over three games.

Anthony Colandrea, a transfer from Virginia, has been leading the team’s offense, completing over 75% of his passes and accumulating six touchdown passes with only one interception, along with rushing for 175 yards and another touchdown. Cameron Friel is set to take over as the primary backup.

The Rebels are currently boasting a perfect 3-0 record this season, highlighted by their recent victory against UCLA, spearheaded by Colandrea, along with star performances from running back Jai’Den Thomas and wide receiver Jaden Bradley. The team will face Miami (OH) on September 20 following a bye this weekend.