**Jake Retzlaff, the former quarterback for Brigham Young University (BYU), has verbally committed to transfer to Tulane for his final year of NCAA eligibility**. His decision comes after formally withdrawing from BYU, which had planned to suspend him for seven games due to an honor code violation. Retzlaff will be considered a walk-on at Tulane and must compete for the starting quarterback role.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Retzlaff expressed his gratitude for the support he received at BYU before making the difficult decision to leave. The move follows the dismissal of a sexual assault lawsuit in May. Retzlaff denies the allegations of rape, stating it was consensual. The case dismissal is attributed to ‘prejudice and upon the merits of the Plaintiff’s complaint against the Defendant,’ preventing the case from being refiled.
BYU, run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enforces strict honor code rules. Retzlaff, who is not a Mormon, could now focus on playing a full season before potentially entering the NFL. Tulane’s head coach, Jon Sumrall, noted that Retzlaff will need to earn the starting role through competition.
Retzlaff’s transfer to Tulane is a significant move in his college football career. He joined the Green Wave team under coach Jon Sumrall, whom he previously had history with after being recruited to Troy before choosing BYU. However, Sumrall is not immediately handing the reins to Retzlaff, emphasizing the need for competition. Retzlaff’s performance at BYU was notable, leading the team to an 11-2 record with 2,947 yards passing and 20 touchdowns in 2024. His potential addition could help the Green Wave improve their performance in 2025.
The case against Retzlaff highlights the complexities of legal and ethical issues in college sports. As he navigates the transition to a new team and the challenges of rebuilding his reputation, Retzlaff must balance his academic and athletic pursuits. His decision to transfer underscores the personal and professional stakes involved in collegiate athletics, where honor codes and legal proceedings can significantly impact a player’s future.
Retzlaff’s move to Tulane has sparked discussions about the role of religious institutions in sports and the broader implications of honor codes in collegiate athletics. The incident also raises questions about the intersection of personal conduct, legal proceedings, and the pursuit of athletic careers. As Retzlaff looks to the future, his next steps will be closely watched by fans, coaches, and legal experts alike.