Why BYU Football Coaches Aren’t Surprised by Retzlaff’s Departure: Insights from Patrick Kinahan

PROVO — Jake Retzlaff’s football career has taken an unexpected turn as reports confirm his departure from the BYU team. This news wasn’t shocking for the BYU coaches, who had already started planning for life without their starting quarterback after a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault became public last month.

Retzlaff faces a suspension that could keep him off the field for more than half the season. Since he has graduated, he can transfer to another school and play right away. He is expected to announce his next destination soon, possibly in tandem with the lawsuit’s resolution.

The situation intensified when Retzlaff’s legal team denied the allegations but conceded to having a “consensual” interaction with the accuser in November 2023. This admission violated BYU’s honor code, which forbids premarital sex, leaving the school with no choice but to take disciplinary action.

Retzlaff was a standout player last season, leading BYU to an 11-2 record and a No. 13 national ranking. His role as BYU’s first Jewish quarterback drew significant attention, but now all eyes are on his replacement.

This incident is reminiscent of the 2011 suspension of basketball player Brandon Davies, who was removed from a highly successful team just before the NCAA Tournament for violating the honor code, although no allegations of illegal behavior were involved. That situation was highly publicized, especially as the team was riding the wave of success spurred by star player Jimmer Fredette.

With the focus now on finding a new quarterback, the competition begins in training camp. None of the three candidates—McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and freshman Bear Bachmeier—have started a game at BYU. Hillstead started four games at Utah State, while Bourguet played in ten games at Western Michigan.

Bachmeier, a dual-threat quarterback from Murrieta Valley High in California, has a promising future. Initially committed to Stanford, he transferred to BYU and aims to quickly learn the playbook. Jam-packed with scholarship offers, he’s now getting a crash course in BYU’s offense this summer. If he shows potential during camp, he might even start against Portland State in a couple of months.

Chase Roberts, a returning receiver, expressed excitement about the evolving quarterback situation, indicating a sense of optimism among the players. As they navigate this unexpected turn, the team’s focus is on regaining momentum and adapting to change.

Recent data shows that college athlete transfers have significantly increased, with a 20% rise in the number of athletes seeking transfers in recent years. This trend reflects changing dynamics in college sports and athletes’ desire for better opportunities. As BYU’s quarterback dilemma unfolds, it adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about the challenges and pressures faced by student-athletes today.

For further insights, check out this [NCAA report](https://www.ncaa.org) on the increasing transfer rates among college athletes.

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