UNLV’s undefeated football team received news on Tuesday that their starting quarterback, Matthew Sluka, will be sitting out the rest of the season. In a statement posted on social media, Sluka explained that the commitments made to him when he enrolled at UNLV were not being upheld, leading him to make the decision to use his redshirt year instead of playing.
During his time on the field this season, Sluka has shown his skills, completing 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards, along with six touchdowns and one interception. He has also been a threat on the ground, rushing for 286 yards and a touchdown on 39 carries. One of his standout performances was in a game against Kansas, where he led the team to a victory with a crucial drive that ended in a touchdown.
Before joining UNLV, Sluka spent four years playing for Holy Cross, where he achieved impressive stats and records. He holds the record for career pass efficiency and ranks high in career rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. Notably, he set an NCAA Division I quarterback record by rushing for 330 yards in a single game against Lafayette in 2023.
With Sluka’s decision to redshirt this season, UNLV will have to rely on other players to step up in his absence. The team is set to face Fresno State in their Mountain West Conference opener, where they will look to continue their undefeated streak without their starting quarterback. Overall, Sluka’s impact on the team and his decision to prioritize his future highlights the challenges and complexities of college football.