BYU transfer QB Jake Retzlaff verbally commits to Tulane

BYU transfer quarterback Jake Retzlaff has verbally committed to transfer to Tulane after a lengthy vetting process from the program, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported. On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed the decision.

“Sources: Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has verbally committed to transfer to Tulane,” Thamel posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday. “The school has spent more than a week doing a vetting process, including the university’s Title IX office examining the case that resulted in Retzlaff withdrawing from BYU.”

Retzlaff’s departure from the Cougars was a controversial one. He was anticipating a suspension for breaking the school’s honor code, which led to him choosing to continue his college football journey at a new destination. Evidently, that’ll be with Tulane.

It all stemmed from Retzlaff being accused of sexually assaulting a woman in November 2023, according to a lawsuit filed last month. The woman alleged Retzlaff assaulted her in inside his home after they’d connected over social media and had been messaging for a month, per the Salt Lake Tribune. She withdrew the civil case last month.

The quarterback denied the allegations through his attorney, per the Tribune, and noted in a legal filing that he had “consensual” sex with the accuser. BYU’s honor code sets strict guidelines for its students, including the prohibition of premarital sex.

Regardless, Retzlaff put together an impressive season at BYU last year, throwing for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns to help lead the Cougars to an 11-2 record. He also made an impact on the running game, totaling 417 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Moreover, Retzlaff graduated from BYU, meaning he’ll join Tulane as a grad transfer. He started his college career at the junior college level, playing at Golden West (Calif.) in 2021 and Riverside (Calif.) in 2022 before arriving in Provo.

As for his former team, BYU’s coach in Kalani Sitake pointed out the impact the quarterback had on the program earlier this month: “We love Jake and appreciate everything he’s done for us, but I’ll let him make statements about his situation,” Sitake said ahead of Big 12 Media Days, via Thamel.

Additionally, Sitake said he’s excited about the three quarterbacks who will now battle for the starting job. McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet and Bear Bachmeier are all going to be in the mix.

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

— On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this article.