UNLV betting odds take a hit after quarterback Matthew Sluka’s departure

· New York Post

UNLV is already feeling the departure of quarterback Matthew Sluka at the sportsbooks. 

After being as high as a 4.5-point favorite at ESPN BET over the Fresno State Bulldogs earlier this week, the Rebels are now in near pick-em territory as one-point favorites despite holding home-field advantage.

The Rebels had briefly fallen to underdog status Wednesday before the line adjusted in their favor, per ESPN.

The total for the game also fell from 52.5 points at most sportsbooks to 48.5 as of Wednesday afternoon. 

UNLV is off to its first 3-0 start in three decades thanks, in large part, to Sluka’s play. 

The senior signal-caller had completed 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards, six touchdowns and one interception for the Rebels before announcing Tuesday that he was quitting the team.

Sluka hinted that his decision revolved around an NIL dispute, and Las Vegas reporter Paloma Villicana reported that he “has been approached with more money to transfer.”

UNLV Rebels quarterback Matthew Sluka (3) throws a pass during a game between the UNLV Rebels and the Houston Cougars in Houston, TX. AP

“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka wrote on X. “Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program.”

UNLV’s full-season outlook also took a dip with Sluka’s departure. 

Betting on College Football?

The Rebels fell from +300 to +500 to win the Mountain West at FanDuel Sportsbook. 

They went from 12/1 to 20/1 to make the College Football Playoff at BetMGM Sportsbook after the news. 

The school had been 40/1 to make the playoff before the season.