A figure from UNLV’s recent past has resurfaced.
Matthew Sluka, the quarterback who infamously left the Rebels midway through the 2024 season, has transferred to the James Madison Dukes for next season.
Sluka started three games with the Rebels before leaving the program, claiming that UNLV had not honored financial promises made to him according to his NIL deal.
The dispute between Sluka and UNLV went national, sparking spirited debate and concern about the impact NIL was having on the college football landscape.
In his three games with the Rebels, Sluka threw for 318 yards and six touchdowns, while also running for 253 yards and an additional touchdown.
At James Madison, Sluka reunites with head coach Bob Chesney, who worked with him at FCS program Holy Cross.
In his four years at Holy Cross, Sluka threw for 5,896 yards and 59 touchdowns, and contributing for 3,579 yards and 38 rushing touchdowns on the ground.
Chesney left the Holy Cross program at the same time as Sluka, joining James Madison to replace current Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti. The Dukes went 9-4 in Chesney’s first year at the helm.
UNLV has also remade their quarterback room under new head coach Dan Mullen. Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea and Michigan transfer Alex Orji are expected to battle for the starting job this summer.
Sluka may be nothing but a distant and unpleasant memory for Rebels fans, but the impact of his tenure will have lasting implications on college football.
