It Was Only a Matter of Time: UNLV QB Quits Because His NIL Deal Falls Through

In an AP story that ran on the ESPN website early this morning, quarterback Matt Sluka of UNLV Rebels announced on X that he's leaving the team because he didn't get what he was promised in his NIL agreement.

In his statement Sluka said, "I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled," Sluka posted on X. "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."

The transfer from Holy Cross led the Rebels to a 3-0 start this season, wins over Houston, Utah Tech and Kansas. He passed for 318 yards and 6 touchdowns, ran for 253 yards and a touchdown. The team opens Mountain West play this Saturday, hosting 3-1 Fresno State.

The website Las Vegas Locally said on X, "UNLV Football quarterback Matt Sluka just quit on the team. Rumor has it he's been offered more NIL money from another school. College football is in big trouble."

In May of this year Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada, backup to starter Carson Beck, sued head coach Billy Napier and Florida because his reported $13.85 million NIL deal was not honored.

Sluka's announcement takes it a step further, a starter leaving his team during the week of a game over a contract. It leads fans to ask, how long before a team or a position group threatens to walk out before a playoff game, a Top Ten matchup, or the national championship?

College football desperately needs a structure and leadership adequate for this new reality. Sluka's entitled to get paid for his work and talent. UNLV head coach Barry Odom signed a new contract in April that will pay him $1.75 million next year.

Without a workable labor agreement, the future and integrity of the game is headed to chaos. How long until a Blue Blood program like Michigan, in need of a quarterback, picks one up on waivers with a richer NIL offer in Week 3?