Michael Allen clarifies decision to redshirt at UNLV, addresses role of NIL

Wednesday afternoon, Michael Allen became the second UNLV football player to announce his plans to redshirt and enter the transfer portal. He said it had to do with “opportunities” that “were not met,” but he later clarified the role NIL played – or rather didn’t – in his decision.

Allen made his announcement the same day Matthew Sluka shared his plans to redshirt and eventually enter the portal. Sluka’s decision, as On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed, was due in part to a verbally promised $100,000 NIL deal that didn’t come to fruition.

Allen said his announcement was not due to NIL opportunities. It was strictly about his role on the field, and he confirmed he didn’t receive any money from the UNLV-focused NIL collective, Friends of UNILV.

My decision has no ties to NIL agreements. This is due to on-field opportunities. I did not receive a dime from any UNLV collective.

— Michael Allen (@MichaelAllen8_) September 25, 2024

“My decision has no ties to NIL agreements,” Allen wrote on social media. “This is due to on-field opportunities. I did not receive a dime from any UNLV collective.”

Allen was the Rebels’ fourth-leading rusher with 108 yards through three games, and his decision came as Matthew Sluka also announced his intention to redshirt. He will have two years of eligibility remaining and can enter the portal when the window officially opens Dec. 9.

According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, Allen decided his plans last week. However, he waited until Wednesday to make the announcement. UNLV was on a bye in Week 4.

“After 3 games, I have decided to utilize my redshirt & enter the portal at the end of the season as a RS JR,” Allen wrote. “I’m grateful for UNLV & wish them nothing but success. Expectations for opportunities unfortunately were not met & I am excited to continue my football career.”

Michael Allen totaled 519 yards and a touchdown during his two years at NC State. He then entered the portal after the 2023 season and committed to UNLV, where he ranked fourth on the Rebels’ roster in rushing. His departure is yet another blow for UNLV as the Rebels take a 3-0 record into Week 5.

Sluka’s announcement came at 12:36 a.m. ET Wednesday morning as the Rebels look to keep rolling after an upset victory over Kansas prior to their bye. The former Holy Cross quarterback only received a $3,000 relocation fee despite the verbally promised NIL deal, his agent Marcus Cromartie of Equity Sports told On3. Friends of UNILV provided a statement to On3 about the matter and confirmed there was no “formal” offer made.

“To clarify, there were no formal NIL offers made during Mr. Sluka’s recruitment process,” the collective said. “Additionally, Friends of UNILV did not finalize or agree to any NIL offers while he was part of the team, aside from a completed community engagement event over the summer.”