Home All News Quarterback Matthew Sluka, who departed UNLV amid an NIL disagreement, joins James Madison.

Quarterback Matthew Sluka, who departed UNLV amid an NIL disagreement, joins James Madison.

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Quarterback Matthew Sluka, who has sparked widespread discussion regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements following his exit from UNLV, has officially joined James Madison University.

To mark his transfer, the new institution shared a visually striking graphic featuring Sluka in a royal purple robe, complete with a crown, celebrating his arrival to the Dukes.

After starting the first three games with the Rebels this season, Sluka announced his departure, claiming that the program failed to deliver on a promised $100,000 NIL payment that he was supposed to receive upon transferring from Holy Cross. His decision to leave allows him to retain his final year of eligibility since he had not participated in four games.

In response to Sluka’s claims, both UNLV and its collective, Friends of UNLV, issued a rebuttal, disputing his assertion regarding the NIL payment.

During his time with the Rebels, Sluka played a crucial role in leading the team to a perfect 3-0 record, accumulating 318 passing yards and 253 rushing yards, totaling seven touchdowns across his appearances.

Following Sluka’s departure, Hajj-Malik Williams stepped in as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. The Rebels concluded the season with an impressive 11-3 record and secured a place in the AP poll and CFP rankings at No. 24. Their accomplishments included competing in the Mountain West championship game and winning the LA Bowl.

James Madison University finished its season with a respectable 9-4 record, having triumphed in the Boca Raton Bowl.

Looking ahead, Sluka may find himself in a competitive battle for the starting position against Camden Coleman, a transfer from Richmond. This competition will largely hinge upon the health status of the current starter, Alonza Barnett, who is recovering from a knee injury that necessitated surgery towards the end of the season.