Syracuse, NY – In a surprise social media post early Wednesday morning, UNLV starting quarterback Matthew Sluka announced that he will not play the remainder of the season.
The news comes a week before the undefeated Rebels host Syracuse at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Sluka is not injured. He said he decided to leave the team suddenly after “certain assurances” made to him during his recruitment were “not confirmed” after he enrolled.
Sluka didn’t say what that meant.
“Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future,” Sluka wrote on social media.
“I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program.”
Sluka’s decision comes against the backdrop of a 3-0 start for the Rebels and the school’s first appearance in a national poll.
He said he would use a redshirt to preserve his eligibility for final season.
Sluka, a veteran transfer, was part of the core at Holy Cross that built the Crusaders into one of the Patriot League’s top programs under former coach Bob Chesney before moving on to James Madison.
Sluka threw for 5,916 yards and 59 touchdowns while rushing for 3,583 yards and 38 scores at Holy Cross. Last season, he set the NCAA Division I record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a game with 330 yards against Lafayette.
In three games at UNLV, Sluka led the team with 253 yards and one touchdown on 39 carries. He completed 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards and six touchdowns and threw one interception.
His departure hurts UNLV’s quest for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
UNLV hosts Fresno State in its Mountain West opener on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Syracuse hosts Holy Cross on Saturday afternoon, but the Crusaders are 1-3 and are in transition under new coach Dan Curran.
Syracuse will face UNLV on Friday, October 4. The game will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1.
