Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has found a new home. Retzlaff reportedly committed to Tulane, and is expected to enroll as a walk-on, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN.
After starting with BYU last season, Retzlaff will compete for the starting job at Tulane.
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Retzlaff, who spent two years with the Cougars, officially withdrew from BYU in July after a violation of the honor code threatened his season. The redshirt senior, who was in trouble with the school for engaging in premarital sex, had reportedly been looking to transfer schools as a result.
In a statement posted to social media, Retzlaff disclosed his decision to withdraw, calling BYU “a place of growth.”
“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and conversations with those I trust, I’ve made the difficult decision to officially withdraw from BYU and step away from the BYU Football program,” Retzlaff wrote. “I’m excited to turn the page and embrace the next chapter.”
By withdrawing from BYU directly, Retzlaff did not have to enter the transfer portal in order to land with a new program.
In a lawsuit filed in May, Retzlaff was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2023. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed last month after a joint motion from the attorneys of Retzlaff and his accuser.
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However, Retzlaff, who said that the sex was consensual in his court filing, was still in violation of BYU’s honor code, which prohibits premarital sex. As a result, Retzlaff was reportedly facing a seven-game suspension from the school — prompting his decision to transfer.
Retzlaff joined BYU in 2023 after playing for two years at the community college level. He became BYU’s starting quarterback in 2024, leading the team to a 11-2 season and an Alamo Bowl victory over Colorado. Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, completing 57.9 percent of his passes.
