Update: Allen has taken to social media to clarify that his departure is not NIL-related, unlike Sluka.

The original story below has also been updated to remove NIL-related speculation following Matthew Sluka’s departure.

UNLV has been one of the early surprises of the 2024 college season. The Rebels are off to a 3-0 start with wins over Houston, Utah Tech and Kansas. The hot start saw Barry Odom’s team enter the top 25 in the Coaches Poll and receive votes in the AP Poll.

With the College Football Playoff set to include a conference champion from the Group of 5, there has been buzz about UNLV potentially making the field of 12. The Rebels, however, appear to be dealing with some significant issues.

UNLV has seen a second player leave the team to redshirt with the intent to transfer out. Running back Michael Allen took to social media to announce his departure.

Allen, who previously played at NC State, had logged 19 carries for 108 yards in 3 games. He was fourth on the Rebels in rushing behind QB Matthew Sluka (39 rushes, 253 yards), RB Greg Burrell (20 rushes, 126 yards) and RB Kylin James (19 carries, 114 yards).

That group of 4 100-yard rushers averaging over 5.6 yards per carry is now down to 2 with Sluka also away from the team. Allen stated, “expectations for opportunities unfortunately were not met” in his social media announcement.

Sluka claims UNLV’s collective did not meet the compensation promised verbally by a Rebel assistant. The school accused Sluka of making pay-for-play requests that violated NCAA rules and other threats.

The college football world will closely follow the news from Sin City.

UNLV hosts Fresno State on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, FS1).