UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka announced Wednesday that he will not play in any more Rebels games in 2024.
In a post on X, Sluka explained that the program did not uphold "certain representations" made to him before he transferred to UNLV from Holy Cross. Sluka plans to utilize his redshirt year and transfer to another school for the 2025 season.
— Matthew Sluka (@MatthewSluka) September 25, 2024
"I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled," Sluka stated. "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 did not reveal specific reasons for his departure, but one can infer that his dispute with the UNLV program involves the delivery of NIL incentives or the lack thereof.
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Sluka's representation, Marcus Cromartie of Equity Sports, told ESPN that Sluka was verbally promised a minimum of $100,000 from a UNLV assistant coach to transfer there, but Sluka has not received any payments. Adam Rittenberg of ESPN also reported that Sluka agreed to a NIL deal with the Rebels in February but never received payments and never asked to amend the agreement.
"We have no idea what the hell happened," Bob Sluka told Rittenberg.
While Sluka claims UNLV did not fulfill its promises, other reports have claimed that Sluka was paid but wanted more money. Paloma Villicana of FOX5, who hosts the RebZone Sports Show with UNLV coach Barry Odom, reported that Sluka was offered more money to preserve his final year of eligibility and transfer elsewhere next season.
UNLV is 3-0 for the first time since 1984 and received 53 total points in the latest AP Poll — just 16 points behind No. 25 Boise State. The Rebels' wins came over Houston, Utah Tech and Kansas. Sluka completed 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards and six touchdowns and one interception in those contests. He also rushed 39 times for 286 yards and one score.
Before he transferred to UNLV, Sluka spent four years at Holy Cross, where he ranks first in career pass efficiency (147.4), second in career rushing yards (3,583), second in career rushing touchdowns (38), fifth in career passing yards (5,916) and fifth in career passing touchdowns (59). He rushed for an NCAA Division I quarterback record 330 yards in a loss to Lafayette in 2023.
