UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka, who transferred to the Rebels and helped them start the season 3-0, shared on social media Tuesday night that he will not play in any more games this season. He mentioned that this decision relates to a promise made to him during his recruitment that was not kept.
According to NCAA redshirt rules, players can keep a year of eligibility if they play in four or fewer games in a season. Sluka played four seasons (2020-2023) at Holy Cross before moving to UNLV this past offseason, so he still has one year of eligibility left to use at another school next season.
NCAA rules prevent players from playing for two different schools in the same season.
Sluka did not explain why he made this choice, but college athletes are often now getting paid for their name, image, and likeness by companies or organizations known as collectives, which support specific school athletes.
“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka posted on X. “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.”
In his time with the Rebels, Sluka has completed 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. He has also run the ball 39 times for 286 yards and a touchdown.
In a game against Kansas on September 13, which the Rebels won 23-20, Sluka led a crucial 18-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Kylin James scoring on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 1:51 left in the game. Sluka rushed for 113 yards in that game.
