The UNLV Rebels are 3-0 to open the season and have cemented themselves as a contender to nab the Group of Five spot in the College Football Playoff.
Quarterback Matthew Sluka played a vital part in the Rebels’ first 3-0 start since 1976. In the three wins, the Holy Cross transfer went 21-for-48 for 319 passing yards but threw six touchdown passes to just one interception and added a team-high 253 rushing yards to go along with a touchdown on the ground.
UNLV has an opportunity to pick up another big win this week when it hosts the Syracuse Orange, but it will have to do so without Sluka.
On Tuesday, the senior quarterback announced on his X account that he would be redshirting for the rest of the season, seemingly due to an NIL dispute.
— Matthew Sluka (@MatthewSluka) September 25, 2024
“I have decided to utilize my redshirt year and will not be playing in any additional games this season. I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled. Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program,” Sluka’s statement read.
On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Sluka was verbally promised at least $100,000 for transferring to UNLV, but the money was never received.
Former UNLV QB Matthew Sluka’s NIL representation, Marcus Cromartie of Equity Sports, told ESPN that Sluka was verbally promised a minimum of $100,000 from a UNLV assistant coach for transferring there. None of that money was paid, per Cormartie.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 25, 2024
NBC’s Nicole Auerbach followed up on that report by saying it was accurate that the promise was verbal and that nothing had ever been signed.
Sluka’s agent told ESPN that it was a “verbal” promise from UNLV/its collective. Source tells @NBCSports that is accurate and nothing was in writing. https://t.co/PGKUBcPqsb
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 25, 2024
