This story was updated to include additional details

The UNLV football team is off to its best start in 40 years, currently holding a 3-0 record with victories over Kansas and Houston. However, they are facing a quarterback transition.

On Tuesday night, starting quarterback Matt Sluka announced via X (previously Twitter) that he plans to redshirt for the remainder of the 2024 college football season.

In his post, Sluka mentioned that certain promises made to him before he transferred from Holy Cross to UNLV this offseason were not honored.

Sluka’s choice to redshirt comes as UNLV is aiming for a spot in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, potentially as a Group of Five participant. According to YSL News, Sluka’s decision also permits him to transfer when the portal opens on December 9.

This announcement has raised questions about Sluka’s future at UNLV and whether he is involved in an NIL-related conflict with the university.

Here’s what you need to know:

Matt Sluka-UNLV NIL Conflict

The changes brought by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements have reshaped college sports, evidenced by the increasing number of players entering the transfer portal as their performance improves their market value.

This applies to Sluka, whose success at Holy Cross prompted his transfer to UNLV. However, ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel has reported that UNLV has not fulfilled the NIL agreement it made with Sluka.

Thamel disclosed that Sluka had been promised a minimum of $100,000 in NIL compensation by an assistant coach at UNLV as an incentive to transfer. As of now, UNLV has not paid him anything from that agreement.

According to Thamel, there was no effort from UNLV’s collective to formalize the promised $100,000 NIL contract upon Sluka’s enrollment. Instead, UNLV proposed a contract worth $3,000 monthly for four months—a total of $88,000 less than what was promised.

Marcus Cromartie, Sluka’s NIL representative from Equity Sports, stated that the only amount Sluka has received is a $3,000 relocation stipend.

Sluka’s father, Bob Sluka, mentioned to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg that UNLV initially indicated that Sluka would receive his NIL contract as part of a payment plan. However, there were two deferrals regarding the start of this plan—first until the fall semester began, then until UNLV’s first game on August 31 against Houston.

“They keep postponing and saying, ‘You have to wait,'” Bob Sluka shared with Rittenberg. “Then they mentioned giving him game checks. We never asked for anything more.”

Rob Sine, CEO of Blueprint Sports managing UNLV’s NIL collective, stated to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger that they never finalized a $100,000 NIL agreement with Sluka.

UNLV’s Official Statement

On Wednesday afternoon, UNLV Athletics issued the following statement:

“Matthew Sluka’s representative has made financial demands on the University and its NIL collective in order for him to continue playing. UNLV Athletics considers these demands to violate NCAA pay-for-play regulations and Nevada state law. UNLV does not participate in such actions and does not react to implied threats,” the statement read.

“UNLV has honored all previously agreed scholarships for Matthew Sluka. The university has ensured compliance with NCAA rules and Nevada state laws in its operations.”

Is Matt Sluka transferring?

No, Sluka has not indicated any intention to transfer at this point. He plans to redshirt for the rest of the 2024 college football season, which will give him an additional year of eligibility next year.

The NCAA rules allow college football players to compete in up to four regular-season games before deciding if they want to redshirt for any reason.

Who is UNLV’s backup quarterback?

Sophomore quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams is currently listed as the backup for UNLV, based on the game notes for their upcoming match against Fresno State.

Williams also transferred to UNLV from Campbell University this offseason, mirroring Sluka’s journey. Last season at Campbell, which plays in the FCS, Williams set personal bests with 2,597 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 70%.

Behind Williams on the depth chart is senior Cameron Friel.

Matt Sluka’s Eligibility

Sluka is currently classified as a senior in UNLV’s roster and is in his fifth season of college football. After this redshirt season, he will hold one additional year of eligibility.

Matt Sluka’s Stats

This season, Sluka has participated in three games for UNLV, completing 21 out of 48 passes for a total of 318 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. He also has 253 rushing yards and an additional touchdown from 39 carries.

Here’s a yearly summary of his collegiate statistics:

• 2020 (Holy Cross): 20 of 35 (57%) passing for 187 yards
• 2020: Threw for two touchdowns and had one interception, while rushing 44 times for 234 yards, scoring four times.
• 2021 (Holy Cross): Completed 117 of 208 passes (56%) for 1,512 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions; rushed 166 times for 868 yards, scoring 14 rushing touchdowns.
• 2022 (Holy Cross): Achieved 153 out of 266 passes (58%) for 2,489 yards with 26 touchdowns and four interceptions; also rushed 203 times for 1,234 yards, recording 11 rushing touchdowns.
• 2023 (Holy Cross): Completed 122 of 197 passes (62%) for 1,728 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions; rushed 186 times for 1,247 yards, scoring nine rushing touchdowns.
• 2024 (UNLV): Was 21 of 48 passing (44%) for 318 yards, throwing six touchdowns with one interception; rushed 39 times for 253 yards, scoring one rushing touchdown.