College Football
UNLV QB Points to NIL Dispute as Reason for Shocking Departure
UNLV is 3-0 entering Mountain West Conference (MWC) play, but the Runnin’ Rebels will have to find a way forward without their starting quarterback.
UNLV added Holy Cross transfer quarterback Matthew Sluka from the portal during the offseason, arriving to play for offensive coordinator Brennan Marion (the former Pitt wide receivers coach), but Sluka isn’t going to finish the season.
It appears that Sluka is opting out of the season due to NIL issues, writing on Twitter:
“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 be able to be fulfilled in the future. I wish my teammates the beat of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program.”
— Matthew Sluka (@MatthewSluka) September 25, 2024
Sluka completed 21-of-48 pass attempts (43.8%) for 318 yards with six touchdowns and an interception, adding 39 carries for 253 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and a touchdown, in three games this season.
UNLV has beaten Houston and Kansas in its non-conference slate this season, along with Utah Tech, and the Rebels are one of the Group of Five squads that have received legitimate College Football Playoff interest so far this season. But this decision is a game-breaker.
The decision from Sluka is one of the first major NIL opt-outs.
In the age of NIL and (soon-to-be) revenue sharing, it’s all about money. But there hasn’t been a player from a contending squad who has opted out due to NIL promises. Sluka is the first major opt out and his decision will surely be remembered going forward.
NIL is a problem for all college coaches, but if a player opts out in the midst of a legitimate playoff chase (no matter how early), it does not bode well for the future of the sport.
Marion will be forced to turn to one of the backups going forward as the Rebels enter MWC play.
This story initially appeared on our partner site Pittsburgh Sports Now.
