UNLV's starting quarterback says he will not play again due to “assurances” that “were not kept”

Quarterback of UNLV Matthew Slukaa transfer who has 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, alluding to a broken agreement made during his recruiting to the school.

The NCAA's 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 another year of eligibility that he could use next season at another school.

NCAA rules do not allow players to play for two schools in the same season.

Sluka did not detail the reasons for his decision, but college athletes are now routinely paid for their name, image and likeness by companies or third-party organizations called collectives that manage the athletes of a particular school.

“I chose UNLV based on certain promises that were made to me, but were not kept after I enrolled,” Sluka posted on X. “Despite discussions, it became clear that those promises would not be kept in the future. 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, and has also rushed 39 times for 286 yards and one touchdown.

In a 23:20 win against Kansas On September 13, Sluka led the Rebels on an 18-play, 75-yard drive 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.

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

UNLV hosts Fresno State (3-1, 1-0) in its Mountain West opener on Saturday.

UNLV finished 9-5 last season and played for the Mountain West Conference championship, but the quarterback who led the team to the program's best season in nearly 40 years, Jayden Maiava, transferred to Southern California in the Big Ten.

Sluka was one of the best quarterbacks in Division I's second tier, the Football Championship Subdivision. Holy Cross reached the FCS playoffs in 2021 and 2022 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 moved on.

He left the program as one of the best players in history. He ranks first in passing 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 ran an NCAA Division I quarterback record of 330 yards if they lose to Lafayette in 2023.