While media outlets, analysts, and insiders are busy analyzing big performances, UNLV’s quarterback Matthew Sluka has been in the headlines because of a controversy surrounding his NIL deal. Sluka announced on X that he is going to redshirt the season after the Rebels’ program allegedly failed to honor a contract the two parties had verbally agreed before Sluka joined the team. After a great start to the season, the Rebels were hit with the shocker of having their QB sit out for the rest of the season to keep his final year of eligibility. Since then, NFL legends, insiders, and college analysts have joined the debate. Some are talking in favor of the young talent, while some of them are criticizing his deceision. NFL legend and former player Mark Ingram II has joined the conversation and slams him for abandoning the team midseason.

The YouTube channel The Triple Option shared a video of Mark’s conversation with Rob Stone, a sports commentator for Fox Sports, and Urban Meyer, a former sports commentator and coach. They discussed Matthew Sluka’s controversy over his NIL deal with UNLV. Although Mark slammed the quarterback, he also criticized the NCAA system. He argued against the lack of regulations and formal contracts, “Yeah, come on, those aren’t winning. Those aren’t winning. Those are losing. But listen here, like this is, this is crazy right now? What’s going on? Like, you can’t expect to tell a player to transfer from his school and not leave him to the compensation that you promised you’re going to give him. But at the same time, that’s what’s wrong with this thing. There’s no contract. It’s just a handshake. It’s on a promise.”

Mark was frustrated with Matthew’s decision and his breaking of promise, but he also acknowledged his right to feel upset about not receiving the promised amount. “Like this is just crazy right now, at the same time, like you can’t expect a player to go play. You’re not giving him what you said you were to give him. But at the same time, as a player, I don’t know how you three and Oh, four and Oh, lead your conference, leading your division, and shoot, you just quit on your guys.”

According to the quarterback’s father and his agent, Marcus Cromartie, Sluka made a NIL deal of $100,000 to join UNLV. However, they do not have any written contract, and Sluka’s agent did not coordinate this with UNLV’s official NIL collective. The situation became more problematic because neither party had signed any contracts. It is an upsetting situation for the player and his family, as he is still very young and has to play plenty of football, but the ongoing situation might hamper his career.  

Matthew Sluka’s backup, Hajj-Malik Williams, shines against Fresno State

UNLV Rebels have won back-to-back four games so far. However, when head coach Barry Odom learned about Sluka’s decision, he was furious because they got a strong start for the first time in 40 years. Mattew Sukla received only $3,000 when he was promised $100,000. After Matthew made the announcement on social media, UNLV fans started calling him a quitter. His absence did not bother the team much, as they continued to excel. They played their last game against Fresno State and won by a huge margin of 45 points.

After their last week’s victory analysis started comparing UNLV’s stats, Brett McMurphy, a college football insider, joined them and shared a tweet that highlighted Barry Odom’s squad’s success amid their ongoing controversy: “The Matthew Sluka-less UNLV Rebels are leading Fresno State 28-0 with 13 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Rebels had not scored more than 27 points in a game vs. FBS teams this year with Sluka.”

Hajj-Malik Williams and senior Carmerson Frile have replaced Sluka. Williams performed impressively last Saturday against Fresno State. UNLV Rebels dominated Fresno State throughout the game. Willams, who played his first game this season, was in sync. He completed 13 out of 16 passes for 182 yards and scored three touchdowns. That wasn’t all. He rushed for 119 yards and had a rushing TD. HC Barry might be happy with his performance and give him more opportunities. Coming Saturday, they will face Syracuse; let’s see how the team performs.