UNLV starting quarterback Matthew Sluka has announced that he will no longer play for the Rebels following a strong 3-0 start to the season. Sluka, who transferred from Holy Cross, cited unmet promises regarding his NIL compensation as the reason for his departure. He plans to redshirt the remainder of the season and reenter the transfer portal in December.
Sluka’s decision raises concerns about the details of his financial agreement with UNLV and how it ultimately fell apart. As a player at Holy Cross, Sluka had an impressive career, tallying remarkable stats that earned him multiple accolades, including being a two-time finalist for the Walter Payton Award. He transferred to UNLV after losing starting quarterback Jayden Maiava to USC, and in his three games this season, he showcased his ability by leading all Mountain West quarterbacks in rushing yards and significantly contributing to the team’s offense.
UNLV has had a strong start to the season under head coach Barry Odom, with notable victories against Houston and Kansas. The team is currently ranked No. 23 in the coaches poll and is a contender for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.
Regarding Sluka’s exit, his NIL representative stated that he was promised a minimum of $100,000 but only received $3,000. Sluka’s father confirmed that a verbal agreement was made with UNLV’s offensive coordinator for a fair compensation amount, but delays on payments and a lack of formal contracts led to their eventual fallout with the program.
UNLV confirmed that Sluka’s representatives made financial demands that were interpreted as violations of NCAA rules, resulting in the school’s refusal to respond to those demands.
While college football players are typically not able to enter the transfer portal during the season, they can choose to leave their current program at any time. Sluka’s decision to redshirt this season will allow him to maintain his eligibility to play another season in 2025.
Sluka’s case is not isolated; disputes over NIL compensation have become a prevalent issue in college athletics, often shrouded in secrecy. Players frequently confront situations where promised compensation is not delivered, and the current environment suggests challenges as the landscape around player compensation evolves.
Moving forward, UNLV will rely on senior quarterbacks Hajj-Malik Williams and Cameron Friel as they continue their season in Mountain West play.