On weekday mornings, Nevada Sports Net will recap three big headlines of the day in its Morning Download. Read below for today’s topics.
1. Dylan LaBarbera, Zach Cochnauer headline key returners for Nevada football
Nevada football announced Monday the return of three players, including defensive end Dylan LaBarbera, offensive tackle Zach Cochnauer and wide receiver Marshaun Brown. Of that trio, only Cochnauer had entered the transfer portal, drawing heavy interest from multiple Power 4 schools. Instead, he will return to Nevada for his senior season after being rated a top-30 offensive tackle in the FBS by Pro Football Focus in 2025. Cochnauer started 11 games at right tackle for Nevada last season but could move to left tackle to replace Jack Foster, who also entered the transfer portal. LaBarbera was Nevada’s MVP last season, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors after leading the team with 87 tackles, a MW-best 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Brown caught 16 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown in 2025. Those 16 catches are the most of any returning Nevada player.
2. Red Panda the halftime show of tonight’s Nevada-SDSU game
World renowned entertainer Red Panda will serve as the halftime show of tonight’s Nevada-San Diego State game, which starts at 8 p.m. at Lawlor Events Center. The Chinese American acrobat’s act includes riding an 8-foot tall unicycle while catching and balancing multiple bowls on her head and feet. Her performances average around five minutes in length and have become popular at basketball games. Red Panda made her NFL debut during last month’s Colts-49ers game. Red Panda was injured last July after a fall during a performance of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship game, fracturing her wrist, but is back in action. Nevada is offering a buy one, get one free ticket deal for $20.60 with the code BOGO26 here.
3. Skylar Durley named MW freshman of the week
Nevada’s Skylar Durley was named the MW freshman of the week after Wolf Pack women’s basketball split a pair of games against Boise State and Utah State. Durley averaged 11 points and 7.5 rebounds in those contests. Against Boise State, Durley had 10 points and six rebounds, adding a block and an assist. In the win over Utah State, Durley had 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Oklahoma City native has started all 14 games for Nevada, averaging 9.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists. She is shooting 35.6 percent from the field and 76.7 percent from the free throw line.