Has redshirting become the norm for dissatisfied college football players? With just a few weeks into the 2024 regular season, certain players are taking a redshirt and entering the transfer portal. On September 25, UNLV QB Matthew Sluka redshirted due to “certain representations” that were not met. Following his decision, the latest in line is USC Trojans’ defensive tackle Bear Alexander.

According to an X post by Pete Thamel on September 26, “Bear Alexander will redshirt this season at USC, per Tony Jones, who Alexander calls his father. He’s expected to stay with the team, per Jones.” Thamel added Jones’ statement in the post which stated, “We made clear what our goals are. That goal is to be a full-time starter and leader on the defense like we came to be.” So what led to his decision?

Bear Alexander transferred from Georgia ahead of the 2023 season to lend his talent to Lincoln Riley and USC. He recorded 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and seven tackles for loss in 13 games played. But this year, his role was reduced as he became a backup recording just four tackles this season. 

As per the statement by Jones above, a starter role is what Alexander is looking for. He was on the field in Saturday’s loss against Michigan for the Trojans’ 21 of 58 defensive snaps. While talks have been on the surface that he’ll be entering the transfer portal, Jones’ statement suggests otherwise. USC is already struggling as Lincoln Riley talked about trust issues in their loss against Michigan. Losing a good defensive player even though he’s now a backup isn’t painting a good picture for the program. Interestingly, he isn’t the only one redshirting due to initial needs not being met.

UNLV Matthew Sluka is redshirting due to NIL reasons 

Just a day before Alexander’s decision, the Rebels QB Matthew Sluka posted his unexpected decision on social media. After completing 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards and six touchdowns, he announced that he would redshirt for the rest of the season. This decision came in protest to NIL reasons. 

Sluka didn’t elaborate much on the reason for his redshirt. But the Rebels freshman wrote this on X, “I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled. Despite discussion, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future.” Thus leading to his ultimate decision. UNLV not only lost Sluka but also RB Michael Allen who also announced his decision to redshirt and enter the transfer portal. 

Talking about NIL in the college football landscape, you might want to check Doug Sanders’ take in our exclusive Think Tank podcast.