UNLV the first couple of weeks of college football have been one of the hottest teams, starting off with a 3-0 start, with lots of fans saying if they can keep this performance up and win their respective conference, their should be no reason, their name should be in the Top 12 for the playoffs. But it seems like that big high that all UNLV fans and students were riding, might have ran out of fuel. UNLV in the past 36 hours, have had 2 members of their offense, announce their plans to redshirt the remainder of the season.

QB Matthew Sluka announced his move late last night, with a post on Twitter/X. You can find his stats and statement below.

“I have decided to utilize my redshirt year and will not be playing in any additional games this season. I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled.
Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments 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.”

Legitimate sources are saying that UNLV and Matthew agreed on a NIL deal worth 100k, as of yesterday, UNLV has only paid 3k of it. Bob Sluka, Matthew’s father said that they had a verbal agreement between them and offensive coordinator. But payments kept getting delayed and no effort was made by UNLV to get a formal contract signed with the collective of the 100k.

UNLV Athletics department and the NIL collective have both issued statements which you can find below.

UNLV

“Football player Matthew Sluka’s representative made financial demands upon the University and its NIL collective in order to continue playing. UNLV Athletics interpreted these demands as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play rules, as well as Nevada state law. UNLV does not engage in such activity, nor does it respond to implied threats. UNLV has honored all previously agreed-upon scholarships for Matthew Sluka.”

“UNLV has conducted its due diligence and will continue to operate its programs within the framework of NCAA rules and regulations, as well as Nevada state laws.”

NIL Collective

Per NCAA rules, Sluka is not allowed to go play for another team this season until the offseason transfer portal begins.

Sluka utilizing his redshirt year means that he will still be eligible to play 3 more years of college football, regardless if he finishes school before. He essentially gets to stay a sophomore in the sports world, but in the academic side of things. He’d be considered a Junior.

Sluka if he wanted, can still participate in practices, receive their scholarships, attend classes, and have 1 on 1’s with the coach but i don’t think he will be doing any of that, especially with what’s happened.

Michael Allen, RB for UNLV also announced today, that he would be utilizing his redshirt season and entering the transfer portal at the end of the season. You can find his stats and statement below.

“After 3 games, I have decided to utilize my redshirt & enter the portal at the end of the season as a RS JR. I’m grateful for UNLV & wish them nothing but success. Expectations for opportunities unfortunately were not met & I am excited to continue my football career.”

Allen also said on Twitter

“My decision has no ties to NIL agreements. This is due to on-field opportunities. I did not receive a dime from any UNLV collective.”

At this point, both sides are pointing the finger at each other and it seems like this will become a bigger issue and shed some light on how NIL deals are really worked out. This story is actively developing by the minute and i will update this story as more news gets released regarding this issue.