Matthew Sluka is packing up and leaving Las Vegas. The starting quarterback for undefeated UNLV announced Tuesday via social media that he will not play the remainder of the season. Sluka hinted that his decision stems from an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) issue, and he plans to redshirt instead.
“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “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.”
This season, the senior quarterback completed 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception for the 3-0 Rebels. He also rushed 39 times for 286 yards and a touchdown.
In a 23-20 victory over Kansas on September 13, Sluka led the Rebels on an 18-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Kylin James scoring on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with just 1:51 left on the clock. Sluka rushed for 113 yards in that game.
AP
UNLV is set to open Mountain West Conference play against Fresno State (3-1, 1-0) on Saturday.
Sluka, a senior transfer, previously spent four years at Holy Cross in the Football Championship Subdivision. During his time there, he ranked 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).