Jake Retzlaff, a former starting quarterback for the BYU Cougars, has officially found a new collegiate football home for the 2025 season. After much speculation following his exit from BYU, the dual-threat signal caller has committed to Tulane University, a decision he announced publicly through his Instagram account. This move signifies a major opportunity for Retzlaff to revive his career and pursue a fresh start in a new environment.
Retzlaff, who hails from Corona, California, had a strong on-field tenure at BYU. After spending two seasons with the Cougars, he earned the starting quarterback role in 2024. That season, he led BYU to an impressive 11–2 record, showcasing his talents by throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and tallying 20 touchdown passes. Additionally, he rushed for 417 yards and added six touchdowns on the ground, highlighting his athletic versatility and value as a dual-threat QB.
Despite his on-field success, Retzlaff’s time in Provo came to a controversial and abrupt end. He was suspended for seven games during the 2024 season due to a violation of BYU’s strict honor code. Specifically, he admitted to engaging in premarital sex, a breach of the university’s behavioral standards rooted in its religious affiliation. This admission followed the dismissal of a civil lawsuit that had accused him of sexual assault—an allegation Retzlaff consistently denied, stating the incident in question was consensual.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding his personal life led Retzlaff to withdraw from BYU on July 11, 2025. Afterward, he entered the transfer portal, prompting immediate interest from programs seeking an experienced and talented quarterback. Tulane soon emerged as the leading candidate, and after a thorough vetting process—including review by the university’s Title IX office—he was cleared to join the program. Notably, Retzlaff will be coming in as a walk-on but is expected to compete directly for the starting quarterback position as Tulane prepares for the 2025 season.
Retzlaff’s transfer marks a significant pickup for Tulane and head coach Jon Sumrall. Interestingly, Sumrall had previously recruited Retzlaff while coaching at Troy University, making this new pairing somewhat of a reunion. Under Sumrall’s leadership, Tulane has gained momentum in the Group of Five landscape, and adding a quarterback of Retzlaff’s caliber only enhances the team’s competitive profile. His skill set aligns well with the offensive scheme Tulane employs, giving the Green Wave a legitimate option to contend within the rebranded American Conference.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, Retzlaff brings physical toughness and game experience to the quarterback room. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs could be the X-factor Tulane needs to push deeper into contention in the upcoming season. With changes in the college football world—especially surrounding NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and shifting eligibility rules—Retzlaff’s decision to transfer to a Group of Five school over staying in a Power Four program like BYU reflects a growing trend of athletes seeking immediate playing opportunities over brand prestige.
In essence, Retzlaff is gambling on himself. He’s placing faith in his ability to lead a team, prove his value, and potentially work his way back into the national spotlight. While BYU offered a larger platform, Tulane offers a more immediate path to playing time, which could be exactly what he needs to reassert himself in the college football scene and potentially earn professional interest down the line.
For Tulane, Retzlaff’s arrival presents both opportunity and risk. On the one hand, the program is acquiring a quarterback who has demonstrated high-level production and leadership. On the other hand, his past controversies may raise eyebrows. However, Tulane’s willingness to bring him in, particularly after clearing him through Title IX channels, shows that the program believes in giving players second chances—especially when they’ve maintained their innocence and have passed institutional scrutiny.
This transfer also underscores how college football continues to evolve. The modern game is shaped not just by performance on the field, but also by external factors like public image, compliance with institutional values, and opportunities presented through NIL. Athletes like Retzlaff are navigating a complex landscape that mixes personal accountability, public scrutiny, and career aspirations.
Retzlaff’s story is far from over. His journey from Provo to New Orleans offers the chance for redemption, growth, and new beginnings. As Tulane looks to make a statement in the American Conference under Sumrall, Retzlaff could prove to be a pivotal figure in their campaign. If he secures the starting job and replicates his BYU-level production, he may not only revive his own football trajectory but also elevate the Green Wave’s national standing.
Ultimately, the success of this move will be measured not just by stats and wins, but by how Retzlaff handles this second chance—both on and off the field. For now, though, he’s taken the first step toward a hopeful comeback.
