UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka has been a standout player for the team, leading them to three straight wins to start the 2024 season. This is the first time the program has achieved this feat since 1984. Sluka has thrown for six touchdowns and 318 passing yards so far this season, leading the nation with an impressive 15.1 yards per completion. In addition to his passing stats, he has also rushed for 253 yards and scored a rushing touchdown on 39 attempts. Sluka, a transfer from Holy Cross, has proven to be one of the best transfers in the Mountain West Conference.
However, Sluka surprised the college football world with his announcement on Tuesday night that he would be leaving the UNLV program just days before they were set to take on Fresno State. In a statement posted on social media, Sluka explained that he had committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were not upheld after he enrolled. Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future. Sluka expressed his well wishes for his teammates for the remainder of the season and hoped for the continued success of the program. UNLV has not yet responded to requests for comment on Sluka’s departure.
Sluka’s departure leaves a void at the quarterback position for UNLV, with Hajj-Malik Williams or Cameron Friel potentially stepping in as the starting quarterback for the Rebels. Sluka’s impact on the team was evident in their win over Kansas, where he led the team on an 18-yard, 75-play drive that culminated in a Kylin James touchdown. His performance in that game included rushing for 113 yards. Prior to his time at UNLV, Sluka spent four years playing for Holy Cross at the Football Championship Subdivision level, where he put up impressive numbers both passing and rushing.
Despite Sluka’s departure, his impact on the UNLV program and the Mountain West Conference as a whole has been significant. His strong play and leadership were instrumental in the team’s early season success, and his departure leaves a gap that the Rebels will need to fill as they continue their season. It remains to be seen how UNLV will adjust to Sluka’s absence and who will step up to take on the starting quarterback role. The college football world will be watching to see how the Rebels respond to this unexpected turn of events.
