UNLV starting quarterback Matthew Sluka said he will not play any more games for the undefeated Rebels this season, citing “certain assurances” that the program has not kept.
Sluka announced his decision in a social media post late Tuesday night, adding that he will take advantage of his redshirt this year.
“I chose UNLV based on certain promises that were made to me, but these were not kept after I enrolled,” Sluka posted on X. “Despite discussions, it became clear that these promises 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.”
pic.twitter.com/oK5BDRpoxK
— Matthew Sluka (@MatthewSluka) September 25, 2024
UNLV is 3-0 for the first time since 1984 and received a total of 53 points in the latest Associated Press poll, just 16 points behind No. 25 Boise State.
Sluka has completed 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards and six touchdowns with one interception this season, his first with the Rebels. The senior transfer has also rushed 39 times for 286 yards and one touchdown.
Sluka spent the first four years of his college career at FCS program Holy Cross, where he ranks first in passing efficiency (147.4), second in rushing yards (3,583), second in rushing touchdowns (38), fifth in passing yards (5,916) and fifth in passing touchdowns (59).
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In a loss to Lafayette in 2023, he rushed for 330 yards, setting an NCAA Division I quarterback record.
In UNLV's 23-20 upset win at Kansas on Sept. 13, Sluka led the Rebels on an 18-play, 75-yard run that ended with Kylin James scoring on fourth down from the 1-yard line with 1:51 left. Sluka rushed for 113 yards in that game.
With Sluka now out of the running, UNLV will likely rely on either senior transfer Hajj-Malik Williams or senior Cameron Friel as its starting quarterback. The Rebels, who had a bye weekend last year, host Fresno State in their Mountain West Conference opener on Saturday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
