UNLV’s starting quarterback walks away from program — PHOTOS
By Callie Lawson-Freeman Las Vegas Review-Journal
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) looks to pass against Kansas in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) runs with the ball against Kansas on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) passes as he is hit by Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) in the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka runs with the ball in the first half against Kansas during an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) gets past Kansas defensive end Dylan Wudke (95) as he runs in the second half during an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) leaps past Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) as he runs with the ball in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) is sacked by Kansas linebacker Cornell Wheeler (44) and safety Mason Ellis (23) during an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) prepares to snap the ball during the college football game against Utah Tech at Allegiant Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Daniel Jacobi II/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) runs with the ball during the college football game against Utah Tech at Allegiant Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Daniel Jacobi II/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) runs with the ball during the college football game against Utah Tech at Allegiant Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Daniel Jacobi II/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) passes the ball during the college football game against Utah Tech at Allegiant Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Daniel Jacobi II/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) celebrates a touchdown during an NCAA football game between UNLV and Utah Tech at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) runs the ball during an NCAA football game between UNLV and Utah Tech at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
UNLV starting quarterback Matthew Sluka is leaving the program immediately, he said on social media late Tuesday.
“I have decided to utilize my redshirt year and will not be playing in any additional games this season,” he wrote. “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.”
Sluka, a senior transfer from Holy Cross, led the Rebels to a 3-0 start to this season and a spot in the USA Today coaches poll for the first time in the program’s history.
Sluka has done more damage with his legs than his arm this season, leading UNLV in rushing with 253 yards and a touchdown on 39 carries. He has completed 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards and six touchdowns with one interception.
The Rebels will presumably turn to either senior transfer Hajj-Malik Williams from Campbell or senior Cameron Friel. They were locked in a three-way competition for the starting job in fall camp.
Sluka arrived at UNLV after compiling hefty stats at Holy Cross in the Football Championship Subdivision, passing for 5,916 yards and 59 touchdowns while rushing for 3,583 yards and 38 scores. He set the NCAA Division I record for rushing yards in a game by a quarterback with 330 against Lafayette last season.
UNLV hosts Fresno State at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in its Mountain West opener.
