UNLV RB Michael Allen announces plan to redshirt, enter transfer portal

UNLV running back Michael Allen plans to take a redshirt and enter the transfer portal after the 2024 season, he announced. He is the Rebels’ fourth-leading rusher with 108 yards through three games, and the decision comes as Matthew Sluka also announced his intention to redshirt.

Allen cited “opportunities” that “unfortunately were not met” in his announcement, which was similar verbiage as what Sluka said overnight Tuesday. However, Allen clarified his decision didn’t have anything to do with NIL and was strictly about “on-field opportunities” at UNLV. He arrived at UNLV after two years at NC State, and will have two years of eligibility remaining as a redshirt junior in 2025.

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. 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. pic.twitter.com/B96hO1pxG5

— Michael Allen (@MichaelAllen8_) September 25, 2024

“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 on social media. “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. Although it will be his second time transferring, he will be eligible immediately at his next stop as a result of last year’s ruling to allow multi-time transfers to play right away.

For UNLV, it’s a second straight blow as Week 5 quickly approaches. 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. On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed the former Holy Cross quarterback was verbally promised a $100,000 NIL deal, but only received a $3,000 relocation fee.

Friends of UNILV – UNLV’s primary NIL collective – provided a statement to On3 about the matter. It 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.”