© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
BYU starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff is at the center of controversy ahead of the 2025 college football season. He’s been accused of assault by a woman stemming from a 2023 incident.
Retzlaff has denied the allegations, though he released a telling admission in his response to the claims. That information was expected to lead to a lengthy suspension.
The passer is entering Year 3 with the Cougars. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 20 scores last year. He was primed to pick up where he left off in ’25 as QB1 in Provo.
Things have since changed. He now finds himself in a legal battle off the field.
Jake Retzlaff violated BYU’s honor code.
The signal caller denied assaulting his accuser. He did, however, admit to having consensual intercourse with the woman. Premarital sex is banned in that honor code, which instructs students to “live a chaste and virtuous life.”
Honor code violations have led to suspensions and dismissals of BYU student-athletes in the past. Retzlaff’s status as starting quarterback wasn’t going to shield him from punishment.
As it turns out, Retzlaff had been bracing for a potential seven-game suspension. Rather than stand on the sidelines, he’s opted to leave the program altogether.
View this post on Instagram
Retzlaff has reportedly started telling his coaches and teammates of his intentions to transfer. He’ll hop in the portal at the next available opportunity.
Depending on how things turn out with his assault case, the passer has a chance to become a notable and unexpected addition for another college football program. Where that winds up being is still unknown, though his honor code suspension should be scratched at his next stop.
Jake Retzlaff will not lead the BYU football team in 2025. It’s the latest twist in what’s been a turbulent offseason for the veteran quarterback.