Quarterback Matthew Sluka, who sparked a national conversation about the ramifications of name, image and likeness deals 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.
𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃 ✍️
— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) January 14, 2025
Welcome to the Valley, @matthewsluka❗#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/KaG4cvBGgi
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 UNLV, 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.
