UNLV QB Redshirting over NIL Dispute, Reggie Bush Suing Over NIL + ICYMI | Newsletter #274
Today’s Thursday newsletter includes highlights from this week, important news from last week, and what to watch for.
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Recapping Major News This Week:
UNLV Starting QB Matt Sluka Announces his Intent to Transfer Over Apparent NIL Dispute
UNLV has started their season 3-0 for the first time in forty years, and much of that success can be attributed to their starting quarterback.
"I have decided to utilize my redshirt year and will not be playing in any additional games this season," Sluka's statement read on his official X account. "I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled. 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."
This will mark the first time, at least publicly, that a player has chosen to redshirt and transfer while in season due to their NIL agreements not being met.
It has been speculated that Sluka was verbally promised $100,000 from an assistant coach, but none of that money was paid.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Reggie Bush Sues USC, Pac-12, and NCAA over NIL
Former USC football star Reggie Bush is suing his school, the Pac-12, and the NCAA in an attempt to win back money made on his NIL during his career with USC over twenty years ago.
Bush’s attorney claims he should be paid “to address and rectify ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation of Reggie Bush’s name, image, and likeness during his tenure as a USC football player.”
Bush forfeited his Heisman in 2010 after USC was hit with massive sanctions partly related to Bush’s dealings with two aspiring sports marketers. However, earlier this year, the trophy was returned to Bush.
Bush’s attorney made a news release to announce the filing, but the release revealed no specifics about the intended suit.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Quick Hitter News:
UGA’s Carson Beck signs NIL deal with Chipotle - LINK
Notre Dame released the branding surrounding their new NIL collective, RALLY - LINK
University of South Carolina’s NIL collective is set to launch their own media network - LINK
Four Iowa State Women’s Basketball players sign NIL deal with Iowa pork producers - LINK
North Carolina Central University partners with Influxer for student-athlete NIL opportunities - LINK
ICYMI
The Pac 12 Adds Four Teams From The Mountain West Conference And is Eyeing Even More Additions
The Pac 12 is officially adding Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State, starting in 2026, to try and retain their conference status. And, they are eyeing at least two more 2026 additions.
Right now, the Pac 12 is operating under a two-year grace period given to it by the NCAA. The Pac 12’s two remaining schools — Oregon State and Washington State — have a one-year scheduling agreement for football with the Mountain West and an agreement to play its basketball in the West Coast Conference.
In order to remain a standalone league, however, the Pac 12 must have eight members by July of 2026 to meet the minimum number of schools for an NCAA conference.
In addition to the six schools officially on board to play in the Pac 12 in 2026, the conference has some interest in adding Tulane and Memphis from the AAC conference, among others.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
What To Watch For: Matt Sluka’s Redshirt Decision Might Not be the Last
Since the inception of NIL, a lack of rules and regulations have allowed student-athletes and schools alike to forge their own paths and make their own decisions when it comes to NIL. NIL changed the landscape of college athletics by adding compensation as a factor for student-athletes and schools to consider in the recruitment process.
Many student-athletes have chosen their school based on the compensation package offered. Transfer increases have mostly been due to student-athletes seeking higher compensation at other schools.
Following Matt Sluka’s public announcement to redshirt due to his NIL deals not being upheld, many coaches commented that they believe this may become the new normal.
At an SEC coaches conference, Kirby Smart commented on the situation: “I can tell you that I don’t think it’ll be the last. The way we’re moving into this abyss of unknown, and I’m talking about fiscal responsibility, financial commitments, financial promises, people sometimes make promises, and I know I’ve come across it in our recruiting that they can’t keep and there’s no — sometimes there’s no rebuttal for the athlete. Sometimes there’s no rebuttal for the athletic department or the collective or whoever’s involved. And it’s sad that there’s not just a better, a way to police it better.”
As there continues to be a lack of guidance on NIL compensation, we will see schools and athletes making their own choices. Sluka’s choice to redshirt may just inspire a wave of other athletes to do the same.
To learn more CLICK HERE
Thanks for Reading!
Keep up to date on all of our newsletters and content by checking out past Optimum Sports Consulting Newsletters, and following us on Twitter!