close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

UNLV’s starting QB says he will no longer play despite ‘statements’ that were ‘not upheld’
news

UNLV’s starting QB says he will no longer play despite ‘statements’ that were ‘not upheld’

UNLV Quarterback Matthew Slukaa transfer who led the Rebels to a 3-0 start, announced on social media Tuesday night that he will not play in any more games this season, citing a broken agreement that was made when he was signed by the school.

NCAA redshirt rules allow players to retain a year of eligibility if they play four or fewer games in a season. Sluka, who played four seasons (2020-23) at Holy Cross before transferring to UNLV last offseason, has one year of eligibility remaining that he could use next season at another school.

According to NCAA rules, players are not allowed to play for two schools in the same season.

Sluka did not provide details about the reasons for his decision, but it is known that student athletes are now routinely paid for their name, image and likeness by companies or outside organizations, called collectives, that support the athletes of a specific school.

“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations made to me that were not honored after I enrolled,” Sluka posted on X. “Despite the conversations, it became clear that these commitments would not be honored going forward. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program.”

The senior has completed 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards, six touchdowns and one interception for the Rebels this season. He has also rushed for 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 1:51 remaining. Sluka rushed for 113 yards in the game.

The Rebels also opened the season with a win against Houston, moving to 2-0 against teams from the Big 12 and raising hopes that they could compete for a spot in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

UNLV will host Fresno State (3-1, 1-0) on Saturday night in the Mountain West season opener.

UNLV went 9-5 last season and was playing for the Mountain West conference championship, but the quarterback who led that team to the program’s best season in nearly 40 years, Jayden Maiava, transferred to Southern California of the Big Ten.

Sluka was one of the top quarterbacks to play in the second division of Division I, known as the Football Championship Subdivision. Holy Cross reached the FCS playoffs in 2021 and ’22 with Sluka as the starter.

After a coaching change at Holy Cross — head coach Bob Chesney left to take over at James Madison — Sluka also left.

He left as one of the best players in program history. 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 of 330 yards in a loss to Lafayette in 2023.