Few positions demand more versatility in Dan Mullen’s offense than tight end. Whether it’s sealing the edge in the run game, protecting the quarterback or lining up all over the formation as a pass catcher, UNLV’s tight ends are expected to do just about everything.

Last season, the Rebels relied on a two-headed attack at the position with Var’Keyes Gumms and Nick Elksnis, who combined for 25 receptions, 337 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

That duo is now gone.

Henderson native Jae Beasley and seniors Velltray Jefferson and Matt Byrnes are the only returning tight ends from Mullen’s first season at UNLV after all three appeared in every game in 2025 and combined for one reception.

Looking to replenish the production and experience lost, Mullen turned to the transfer portal while also adding youth in the recent signing class to create one of the deepest position groups on the roster.

The biggest addition came in the form of Arizona transfer Keyan Burnett, who spent four seasons with the Wildcats, totaling 26 receptions for 272 yards and a touchdown across 34 career appearances before joining UNLV this offseason.

At 6 feet 6 inches tall, Burnett gives the Rebels another sizeable target capable of creating mismatches all over the field, regardless of whether Jackson Arnold or Alex Orji wins the starting quarterback job.

“It has been a great fit,” Burnett said. “I would say that with coach Mullen’s track record and just how dynamic the offense is, the different things I’m asked to do really fit into my strengths.

“Coach Mullen plays players to their strengths. You can see that in his past with guys like Kyle Pitts and really all positions. He spreads his style all over the field and is creative with 12 personnel in order to find ways to get mismatches with guys.”

UNLV also added freshman Aveon Williams shortly before the start of fall camp. The 6-foot-5-inch tight end originally committed to North Carolina before ultimately signing with the Rebels, adding another athletic pass-catching option to the room.

Although Williams is just beginning his collegiate career, Burnett believes his potential is evident.

“Aveon is a big dude with a lot of potential,” Burnett said. “I think that once he gains some confidence and some more experience, he is going to be a dangerous player for sure.”

The newcomers have quickly impressed tight ends coach Adrian Mayes, who believes the room’s versatility will allow the Rebels to create favorable matchups throughout the season.

“The more that the guys can do within our scheme, we can split them out, we can get them in heavy packages, so we plan to utilize the guys throughout camp to see what they can do,” Mayes said. “We plan on using all of the guys, and from what I’ve seen so far, some of the guys have stepped up.

“Keyan has learned the offense really well, Beasley is coming along, Velltray is coming along and Matt Byrnes has been steady, so we have a good staple there.”

Byrnes, who transferred to UNLV from Houston ahead of the 2025 season, recorded the lone reception among the returning tight ends last year, making a catch in the Rebels’ double-overtime victory over Utah State in Week 12.

Despite having a limited receiving role in 2025, the former Cougar understands the versatility that is needed at the position.

“I think lately I have been more of a blocking tight end but I am trying to work on my skills,” Byrnes said. “Obviously, we have a pretty good run game and I take huge pride in that. I am trying the best I can to be an extra lineman.”

While replacing the production of Gumms and Elksnis won’t fall on one player alone, Mullen believes the combination of experienced transfers, returning veterans and emerging young talent gives UNLV the versatility needed to keep one of the offense’s most demanding positions a strength heading into the 2026 season.