Jake Retzlaff has decided to leave BYU, marking the start of his transfer journey. The quarterback, who led the team as a starter last year, shared his choice in an Instagram post. He called it a “difficult decision,” noting that it meant more to him than just football.
This withdrawal has been anticipated since Retzlaff started talking to teammates and coaches about it back in June. Instead of using the NCAA transfer portal—a common step—he plans to leave BYU outright and then enroll at another school. Recent cases show this isn’t unheard of; for instance, former Wisconsin player Xavier Lucas did the same when he transferred to the University of Miami.
Retzlaff has expressed gratitude for his time at BYU, mentioning that he is ready to embrace what comes next. BYU officials, during media days, chose not to comment extensively but expressed their support for his decision.
Notably, Retzlaff’s departure follows a planned seven-game suspension linked to the violation of BYU’s honor code. This issue arose after he was accused in a lawsuit of raping a woman, which was dismissed at the end of June. While this case was resolved, Retzlaff admitted to premarital sex, which violated the code.
In his 2024 season, he achieved an impressive record of 11 wins and 2 losses, passing for nearly 3,000 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. His leaving creates a competitive environment at BYU as the team now faces a three-way race to find his replacement.
For context, Retzlaff’s situation highlights the increasing scrutiny college athletes face regarding their off-field conduct. The NCAA’s transfer rules have evolved, allowing players more flexibility, yet the pressures can create difficult situations.
As social media buzzes with reactions, many fans are discussing how this impacts BYU’s football future. Some users on platforms like Twitter have expressed mixed feelings—cheering for Retzlaff’s new journey while questioning the team’s leadership structure moving forward.
For more about college football transfer trends and their implications, you can refer to this NCAA overview on transfer rules.
