SCOTTSDALE, AZ (December 3, 2023) – The 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl will feature the third-ever meeting between Kansas and UNLV on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. MST and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN and its digital platforms.

Kansas earned its second-straight bowl bid and second all-time appearance at Guaranteed Rate Bowl, with the first coming in 2008 – a 42-21 win over Minnesota. Kansas is meeting a UNLV team that's making its fifth bowl game in program history and making its debut at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. 

The Rebels are 3-1 all-time in bowl games, while the Jayhawks sit at 6-7.

Tickets, including a variety of premium seating, are available by visiting tickets.guaranteedratebowl.com or calling 480.350.0911.

"We are thrilled to host Kansas and UNLV at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. As we celebrate the passion and excitement of college football, this matchup marks a significant milestone in the bowl's legacy," said Erik Moses, Executive Director and CEO at Fiesta Bowl. "Together, we look forward to creating unforgettable moments, exposing visitors to the Valley of the Sun, and delivering unparalleled hospitality to fans and players alike."

Kansas (8-4) clinched bowl eligibility following a 38-33 upset over No. 6 Oklahoma in Week 9 – its first win over a top 10 team since 2008. Led by third-year Head Coach Lance Leipold, the Jayhawks had another historic season, finishing the regular season with at least eight wins for the 11^th time in program history and garnering their first-ever College Football Playoff ranking in week 10 at No. 21.

Quarterback Jalon Daniels led Kansas to a 3-0 start before enduring a back injury that has kept him out since late September. With the exception of two games missed due to his own injury, Jason Bean stepped in as the starter and guided the Jayhawks to four wins, including the upset over Oklahoma. In Daniels' absence, Bean threw for 1,681 yards and 12 touchdowns, and freshman Cole Ballard recorded 286 passing yards and a score across two starts in his rookie season.

Running back Devin Neal is the key to the Kansas offense, leading the team with 1,209 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Lawrence Arnold has been the favorite target through the air with 38 receptions and a team-leading 650 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Kansas is third in the Big 12 with 54 touchdowns and fourth in total points (403).

Defensively Kansas put on quite the show this season, racking up 26 sacks, third in the Big 12, 12 interceptions and four defensive touchdowns. Safety Kenny Logan Jr. leads the team with 86 total tackles, followed by defensive lineman Austin Booker (56), who earned Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and an All-Conference First Team nod. Cornerback Cobee Bryant earned his second All-Big 12 First Team honor, recording 28 solo tackles, three interceptions and one pick-6.

UNLV (9-4) qualified for its fifth bowl game in program history, and first since 2014, with a 25-23 victory over Colorado State in Week 8. Quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the Rebels' offense with 2,794 yards and 14 touchdowns – fourth in the Mountain West. In his rookie season, Maiava fashioned a 7-2 record as a starter and earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year.

Ricky White III (81 receptions, 1,386 yards, seven touchdowns) is Maiava's favorite target and leads the conference in receiving yards per game and is No. 6 in the country in receiving yards, while Vincent Davis is the Rebels' rushing leader with 722 yards on the season and six touchdowns. Linebacker Jackson Woodard is a standout for the Rebels, leading the team in solo (52) and total tackles (113).

White, Woodard, Tiger Shanks (offensive lineman), Jose Pizano (placekicker) and Jacob De Jesus (wide receiver/kick returner) each earned an All-Conference First Team selection. Pizano was also named the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year, going 25-for-27 on field goals this season, ranking seventh in the FBS and fifth in field goals per game (1.92, 92.6%).

Head Coach Barry Odom has taken UNLV to new heights in his first season, guiding the team to a share of its first Mountain West regular-season title and first appearance in the conference championship game. Odom, Mountain West Coach of the Year, led the Rebels to their first winning season since 2013 and their best overall win record in nearly 40 years.

"It's a pleasure to welcome the exciting matchup of Kansas and UNLV as they step onto the grand stage of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. This bowl game showcases the true spirit of college football, uniting fans, players, and communities in celebration of excellence," said Randy Norton, Guaranteed Rate Bowl Chair. "We are thrilled to witness the competition and camaraderie as we continue to build the legacy of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl."

This year's Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be the 34^th in the game's history, which has hosted players like Drew Bledsoe, Aaron Rodgers and Larry Fitzgerald along with millions of fans.

Fans can join the start of Bowl Season with the exciting Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe on Saturday, December 16 through Central Phoenix starting at 10 a.m. MST. Arizona's highest-attended single-day event is free for all fans to attend. Additionally, the 53^rd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl will be played on Monday, January 1, 2024, in Glendale at State Farm Stadium.

All tickets purchased for the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl support Fiesta Bowl Charities and its mission to enhance the cause of Arizona nonprofits through its three pillars of youth, sports and education. Fiesta Bowl Charities has granted nearly $20 million in charitable giving over the last six years alone.

ABOUT THE FIESTA BOWL
Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education.