In the midst of a tumultuous week, UNLV’s athletic director, Erick Harper, shared a heartfelt moment with head football coach Barry Odom on the field at Allegiant Stadium. The Rebels had just secured a resounding 59-14 victory over Fresno State, and despite the exhaustion etched on their faces, they exuded pride and relief.
The past week had been a rollercoaster ride for UNLV, with the university navigating two unprecedented situations that would shape the future of college football. Harper had made a crucial decision, opting to remain in the Mountain West Conference instead of joining the rebuilding Pac-12. This choice was made amidst controversy surrounding the starting quarterback’s departure over NIL compensation and a public disagreement about promises made.
Harper acknowledged that the university had reached new heights, but at a cost. “It’s been good in the sense that we wanted to be on the national scene,” he said. “We got there, we just didn’t know it’d all be in one week.” The football team’s entry into the AP Top 25 and potential berth in the expanded College Football Playoff marked uncharted territory for the program.
As the Rebels strive to break into the elite ranks, they face new challenges and intense scrutiny. “Unfortunately, it’s not always going to be sunny and 75,” Odom said. “There are things that happen, and you work together, you find a way to continue to move the program and the athletic department forward.”
When news broke that four Mountain West schools were leaving for the Pac-12, Harper was caught off guard. He questioned the metrics used to select the departing schools, citing UNLV’s research institution status, recent football success, top-40 market position, and donor support. “If we try to read between the lines, the message I got is we’re not good enough,” Harper said. “I’m sorry, but I do believe we are.”
As the Pac-12 pursued the American Athletic Conference, the Mountain West worked to solidify its remaining membership. UNLV initially committed to staying, but when Utah State defected to the Pac-12, the Rebels reconsidered. Harper and university president Keith Whitfield engaged in intense discussions, weighing projections and financial guarantees.
Meanwhile, the football team faced a separate crisis when starting quarterback Matthew Sluka quit over NIL compensation disputes. Sluka’s father and agent alleged verbal promises of $100,000, but the collective and leadership denied any agreements. The quarterback’s sudden exit sparked a national conversation about trust, loyalty, and the blurred lines between amateur and professional athletics.
Despite the turmoil, UNLV’s players remained focused, and new starting quarterback Haji-Malik Williams seized his opportunity. The sixth-year senior led the Rebels to a convincing victory, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike. As the team celebrated its 4-0 start, Harper looked ahead to the future, acknowledging the need for sustained fundraising efforts to retain Odom and build on their success. “Donors, get ready,” he said. “Because we’ll be coming and asking.”
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