Las Vegas, Nevada – UNLV starting quarterback Matthew Sluka made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing his decision to redshirt for the remainder of the 2024 season. Sluka expressed his intention to transfer to another school next season, citing unfulfilled promises made to him upon enrolling at UNLV. The quarterback’s NIL agent, Marcus Cromartie, claimed that Sluka was verbally promised a substantial sum of $100,000 by an assistant coach if he transferred to UNLV, but none of that money was ever paid out.
Despite efforts to address the issue with the coaching staff and school, the promised amount was never formalized into a contract. As a result, Sluka decided to redshirt the season, allowing him to develop with a trainer this fall and potentially play elsewhere next year. While UNLV’s CEO of Blueprint Sports, Rob Sine, denied any agreed-upon contract of $100,000 with Sluka, the situation has raised questions about the handling of NIL agreements within collegiate athletics.
With Sluka sidelined, backup quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams is poised to take over as the starting quarterback for UNLV. Williams, who joined the team this year after playing at FCS Campbell, has the opportunity to showcase his skills as both a passer and rusher. His performance will be crucial as the Rebels aim to maintain their unbeaten record and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff rankings for non-Power Four conference teams.
UNLV has kicked off the season with a strong 3-0 start, positioning themselves as a standout team in the non-power conference FBS rankings. Despite being just outside the Associated Press Top 25, the Rebels received 53 votes in the latest poll, placing them as the de facto No. 29 team in the nation. Additionally, they hold the No. 23 spot in the Coaches Poll, indicating their potential to make a significant impact on the college football landscape this season.
Sluka’s absence will undoubtedly impact UNLV’s offensive strategy, considering his dual-threat capabilities as a quarterback. While he struggled with completion percentage this season, his impact on the ground cannot be understated. His transfer decision opens the door for Williams to make his mark and lead the team to further success in the Mountain West Conference.
As UNLV prepares to face Fresno State in their upcoming conference game, all eyes will be on Williams to deliver a strong performance and solidify his position as the new starting quarterback. The outcome of this game will not only influence UNLV’s standings in the conference but also their chances of securing a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff rankings at the end of the season. With the competition heating up among non-Power Four conference teams, every game becomes crucial in determining which team will earn a shot at a CFP berth.