Jake Retzlaff, the former quarterback for the BYU Cougars, has found a new opportunity just in time for the upcoming college football season. After a tumultuous offseason filled with uncertainty and controversy, Retzlaff has committed to continue his collegiate career at Tulane University, joining the Green Wave as they look to build on last season’s success.
The decision comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Retzlaff’s future in college football. Many teams were reportedly hesitant to pursue him due to how close it is to the start of the 2025 season. That hesitancy stemmed not only from the tight timeline but also from off-field issues that had clouded his status following the 2024 season. Despite those concerns, Tulane conducted an internal review over the course of a week and decided to bring him in, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Retzlaff’s 2024 campaign at BYU was statistically impressive. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards—completing 213 of 368 passes—for 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. On the ground, he contributed an additional 417 yards and six rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. His performance earned him All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors and helped lead BYU to an 11-2 overall record, solidifying his place as a key contributor to the Cougars’ offense.
However, the momentum from a successful season was disrupted during the offseason when a serious allegation surfaced. Retzlaff was accused of raping a woman—a claim that significantly impacted his standing at BYU. The case, however, was later dismissed on June 30, and Retzlaff faced no legal charges. Still, he did admit publicly to violating BYU’s strict honor code, which forbids premarital sex among students. This admission alone would have resulted in a seven-game suspension had he remained with the Cougars.
Faced with that consequence and a tarnished reputation within BYU’s honor-bound framework, Retzlaff opted to seek a fresh start elsewhere. That opportunity came in the form of Tulane, a program that has experienced its own share of quarterback instability.
The Green Wave, coming off a solid 9-5 season in 2024, had hoped to stabilize their quarterback room by bringing in transfer talent. Among those transfers was former Western Kentucky QB TJ Finley, whose time with the program was cut short after he was arrested and subsequently left the team. In total, Tulane brought in three quarterback transfers during the offseason, but according to Thamel, none of them had enrolled early in January, leaving the position somewhat unsettled heading into the season.
Enter Retzlaff, a proven FBS starter with solid numbers, a strong arm, and experience in high-pressure situations. Tulane’s coaching staff believes he could be a valuable addition to their system, though it’s unlikely he’ll be handed the starting role outright. Given the time he’s joining the team, Retzlaff will need to quickly get up to speed with the playbook and build chemistry with his new teammates if he hopes to compete for the starting job.
While there’s no guarantee he will start Week 1, the path to the field is clear for Retzlaff. Tulane’s quarterback depth is still in flux, and his talent gives him a chance to stand out during preseason camp. If he can win over the locker room and coaching staff, he could become the leader of a Green Wave offense aiming to take the next step in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Beyond the Xs and Os, Retzlaff’s move to Tulane represents more than just football. It’s a chance for personal and professional redemption. For a player whose name was entangled in controversy and whose collegiate future once seemed uncertain, this transfer offers a new environment and, potentially, a fresh narrative. Tulane’s decision to bring him on board speaks to their willingness to give Retzlaff a second chance, while also taking a calculated risk based on his football résumé and the outcome of their internal vetting.
From Tulane’s perspective, the acquisition of Retzlaff could pay dividends. If he is able to regain the form that made him a standout at BYU, the Green Wave could have a quarterback capable of leading them to double-digit wins again—or even a conference championship run. His mobility, experience, and ability to extend plays could give Tulane an edge in a conference full of rebuilding programs and uncertain quarterback rooms.
As for Retzlaff, this final season in New Orleans is a critical one. It’s his last shot to make an impact at the college level before potentially pursuing opportunities in the professional ranks. His success—or lack thereof—will likely be influenced by how well he can integrate into Tulane’s program both on and off the field.
In summary, Jake Retzlaff’s last-minute commitment to Tulane gives both player and program a potentially game-changing opportunity. Tulane fills a gap at the most important position on the field with a seasoned FBS starter, while Retzlaff gets the fresh start he desperately needs to end his college career on a high note. With camp already underway and the season just around the corner, all eyes will be on how quickly he can adapt and whether he can lead the Green Wave to another successful campaign in 2025.
