Sportsbook operators offered to pay $100,000 in NIL to keep UNLV QB Matthew Sluka

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) have changed how business is handled off the field. It also affected the players as well. Last week, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) lost their QB Matthew Sluka. He is not missing time due to injury. The program has a bigger issue on their hands losing a player that led the team to a 3-0 record to start the season. 

Sluka’s agent Marcus Cromartie told reporters that UNLV failed to make good on an alleged $100,000 offering. This was a verbal offering that came from the assistant offensive coordinator, Brennan Marion. Matthew Sluka’s representation and the University have different versions of why the QB is leaving. Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens and vice president Mike Palm offered to pay the $100,000 to Sluka. Palm did reach out to UNLV but there were no further discussions.

How does Matthew Sluka’s decision affect the rest of college football?

On Wednesday last week, former UNLV QB Matthew Sluka announced his decision to use his redshirt year. Sluka is going to sit out the rest of the season for Rebels. His reasoning for sitting out is due to the school not fulfilling his promised money. Sluka agreed to join the program in 2024 thinking he had a $100,000 NIL deal in place. However, this was a verbal commitment with an offensive coordinator and nothing was ever finalized. 

Matthew Sluka’s father Bob spoke to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He reported that head coach Barry Odom said the assistant coach’s verbal offer did not stand. Odom said it was not valid because it did not come from the head coach. UNLV lost their QB who led them to a 3-0 start to the season and he wasn’t the only player to leave. Running back Michael Allen announced that he was also exercising his redshirt year and will enter the transfer portal. 

Despite losing Matthew Sluka for the season, UNLV had a capable back QB in Hajj-Malik Williams. He helped lead the Rebels to a 59-14 win vs. Fresno State. Williams was 13-16 passing for 182 yards and three passing touchdowns. He also added 12 carries for 119 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Matthew Sluka may have found a wrinkle in the NCAA’s system and other players could soon follow. The NCAA needs to act quickly and set national guidelines surrounding NIL.