Why is UNLV QB's decision to redshirt a big deal? Here's what you need to know

UNLV, of all teams, might have been dealt the biggest stunner in the early weeks of the 2024 college football season late Tuesday night.

Starting quarterback Matthew Sluka announced his decision to sit out the remainder of the season and redshirt following UNLV's 3-0 start to the year. In a statement posted to social media, Sluka said that "representations" made to him by UNLV "were not upheld" after he opted to transfer to the school from Holy Cross over the offseason.

Sluka's decision dominated the college football world on Wednesday, with several reports and reactions to the news following the announcement emerging. Here's why Sluka's decision has sent waves through the college football landscape and what you need to know about the situation.

Sluka helped UNLV become one of the surprise non-power conference teams through the early part of the college football season. He quarterbacked the Rebels to a 3-0 start, which included wins over Big 12 teams Houston and Kansas. 

The fifth-year senior has been instrumental, throwing for 318 yards, six touchdowns and an interception in the first three games. He also led the team in rushing (253 yards) and had a rushing touchdown.

Those wins not only helped UNLV garner some national attention (it received 53 points in the most recent AP Poll, missing a top 25 ranking by four spots), but it also set it up to be a College Football Playoff contender. With the expansion of the CFP to 12 teams, at least one non-power conference team will be in the playoff. The winner of the Mountain West Conference has often been the highest-ranked non-power conference team at the end of the season, too.

Now, UNLV's early-season playoff hopes might be put on pause as it's set to open conference play