Kalani Sitake addresses how BYU honor code impacts his job

Every college and university in the country has its own standards. Still, BYU remains unique in its own standards and honor code, which stem from the school’s relationship with the LDS Church.

That honor code has an effect on every aspect of the school, including the football program. There are some players who may choose not to go to a school with what is seen by many as a strict honor code. It can also lead to situations like the one surrounding quarterback Jake Retzlaff, which eventually led to the Cougars losing their starting quarterback going into the 2025 season.

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake addressed that honor code at Big 12 media days. There, he stood by it and the expectations that the university has set for its students. Like any other school, he needs to make sure that his players are ready for and uphold those standards.

“Our university is sponsored and affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,” Kalani Sitake said. “So, there’s a level of expectation, a standard that we ask our student-athletes and our students altogether to live by. Every school has their standards. We have ours too, and our expectations. We have an academic expectation as well. So, if young people don’t fit the academic criteria, then they don’t get into school.”

The BYU honor code has come into the spotlight with the situation surrounding quarterback Jake Retzlaff. Last year’s starter, he was accused in a civil suit of sexual assault over the offseason. That case would later be withdrawn. However, Retzlaff still faced a multi-game suspension under BYU’s honor code because he had publicly argued that their encounter was consensual. That meant, regardless of whether it was consensual or not, he was facing suspension at BYU and chose to transfer.

“These are just part of the things that you have to be committed to,” Sitake said. “And we expect our students to live according to what they signed up for. “

One thing is clear, over the years Kalani Sitake has managed to do his job very well at BYU. The Cougars are 72-43 since he took over in 2016. During that time, they’ve gone to seven bowl games, transitioned to the Big 12, and are now hoping to compete for a conference championship in 2025.

Kalani Sitake addresses Jake Retzlaff situation, departure from BYU

Kalani Sitake made the decision not to directly address the situation that led to Jake Retzlaff leaving the program. Instead, he shared his appreciation for what he had done for them in the past.

“We love Jake and appreciate everything he’s done for us,” Sitake said. “But I’ll let him make statements about his situation.”

Now, BYU has a major question at quarterback. There are a few options on the roster, including McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and Bear Bachmeier. Still, Sitake emphasized that the program is more than anyone one person and their success shouldn’t just be because of the quarterback.

“The program is fine,” Sitake said. “No matter the situation. It’s not about one coach. It’s not about one player, either. We feel good about our program.”

BYU is set to open its season on August 30th with a home game against Portland State. On September 27th, they’ll face their first Big 12 test with a road game against Colorado. By then, they’ll hopefully know the quarterback of the future for the program.