QB Matthew Sluka, who left UNLV over NIL dispute, signs with James Madison
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka runs the ball against Kansas in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)
Quarterback Matthew Sluka, who created a national conversation about the ramifications of name, image and likeness after departing UNLV, has transferred to James Madison.
His new school posted a graphic of Sluka draped in a royal purple robe with a crown atop his head to celebrate his transfer to the Dukes.
Sluka announced after starting the Rebels’ first three games this season that he was leaving because he said the program didn’t follow through on a $100,000 NIL payment that was promised upon transferring from Holy Cross. He preserved his final season of eligibility because he didn’t play in four games.
UNLV and its collective, Friends of UNILV, pushed back on Sluka’s assertion.
Sluka led the Rebels to a 3-0 start, passing for 318 yards and rushing for 253 with a combined seven touchdowns.
Hajj-Malik Williams took over as the starter the rest of the season, and the Rebels finished 11-3 and ranked No. 24 in the AP poll and CFP rankings. They appeared in the Mountain West championship game and won the LA Bowl.
James Madison went 9-4 this season and won the Boca Raton Bowl. Sluka could compete with Richmond transfer Camden Coleman for the starting job, largely depending on incumbent Alonza Barnett’s health. Barnett suffered a late-season knee injury that required surgery.
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