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Kirby Smart predicts future for UNLV quarterbacks without rules in place

Posted on by darion

Kirby Smart wasn’t trying to sound negative or predict the end of the world for college football. The Georgia head coach was simply trying to be honest and realistic.

Smart said we’ll definitely see more situations like the one at UNLV, where quarterback Matthew Sluka opted out over an NIL dispute. Until there are more safeguards in place to govern everything, Smart said, “it’s going to be more chaos.”

“I guess you’re asking me for a solution? I don’t have an answer,” Smart said during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “I can tell you I don’t think this is the last one, and the way we’re going into this abyss of the unknown, and I’m talking about fiscal responsibility, financial commitments, financial promises, people sometimes make promises, and I know I’ve come across this in recruiting, that they can’t keep.

“Sometimes there’s no counterargument for the athlete, sometimes there’s no counterargument for the athletic department or the group involved. It’s sad that there’s no way to control it better. Because it’s unfortunate.”

Sluka is entering the transfer portal amid the NIL dispute and announced late Monday night that he would forgo the rest of the season and redshirt. The controversy comes as the Rebels are on a 3-0 run to start 2024, something Sluka has played a huge role in.

The veteran quarterback threw six touchdown passes and only one interception to help UNLV start the season unbeaten. He also had 253 yards rushing and another touchdown.

Now Sluka is fleeing Las Vegas for another opportunity amid the NIL dispute. Sluka’s father and agent have shed some light on the true nature of the dispute, claiming UNLV verbally promised funds that have not been paid.

Smart, who has some knowledge of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of college football, fears that opt-outs like Sluka’s will become the norm in college football and college sports in general.