The former BYU quarterback has found a new home after withdrawing from the Mormon university amid honor code violations.
Jake Retzlaff has officially committed to Tulane University, marking a significant chapter in one of college football’s most unique storylines. The former BYU quarterback, who made history as the first Jewish starting quarterback at the Mormon institution, will join the Green Wave as a walk-on for the 2025 season.
The Controversial Exit from BYU
Retzlaff’s departure from BYU stems from a complex series of events. In May 2025, a woman filed a civil lawsuit accusing Jake Retzlaff of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit sought damages of at least $300,000 and alleged that the incident occurred at Retzlaff’s apartment in November 2023.
Retzlaff denied the allegations through his attorney, who called them “ridiculous and bizarre”. His legal team maintained that the encounter was consensual and that the two parties had exchanged text messages for months afterward. The civil lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice on June 30, 2025, meaning it cannot be refiled.
Despite the lawsuit’s dismissal, Jake Retzlaff faced a seven-game suspension from BYU for violating the school’s honor code. BYU’s strict honor code requires students to “live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman”. Retzlaff’s admission of consensual premarital sex constituted a violation of this code.
Rather than serve the suspension, Retzlaff withdrew from BYU on July 11, 2025. In his Instagram statement, he wrote, “After a lot of prayer, reflection, and conversations with those I trust, I’ve made the difficult decision to officially withdraw from BYU and step away from the BYU Football program”.
Tulane’s Thorough Vetting Process
Tulane University conducted an extensive background check before accepting Jake Retzlaff. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the school spent more than a week investigating Retzlaff, including having the university’s Title IX office examine his case. This thorough vetting process demonstrates Tulane’s commitment to due diligence in high-profile transfers.
The Green Wave’s careful approach reflects the current climate in college athletics. Schools must balance competitive needs with institutional values when considering controversial transfers. Tulane’s decision to proceed suggests they were satisfied with their investigation findings.
Connection to Coach Jon Sumrall
Jake Retzlaff’s move to Tulane reunites him with head coach Jon Sumrall. The two have a history dating back to Retzlaff’s junior college days, when Sumrall recruited him during his tenure at Troy. This existing relationship likely facilitated Retzlaff’s transition to the Green Wave.
Sumrall, in his second season at Tulane, has been aggressive in the transfer portal. The coach’s familiarity with Retzlaff’s abilities and character from previous recruiting efforts provided confidence in bringing him to New Orleans.
Quarterback Competition at Tulane
Retzlaff joins a crowded quarterback room at Tulane. The Green Wave already has three transfer quarterbacks competing for the starting position: Brendan Sullivan from Iowa, Kadin Semonza from Ball State, and Donovan Leary from Illinois. None of these quarterbacks were with the program before January 2025.
Tulane needed to address the quarterback position after Darian Mensah transferred to Duke following the 2024 season. Mensah threw for 2,727 yards and 22 touchdowns while leading the Green Wave to a 9-5 record and an appearance in the AAC championship game.
The competition will be intense when fall camp begins. Jake Retzlaff’s experience as a starting quarterback gives him an edge, but he must prove himself in a new system. His dual-threat ability, demonstrated by 417 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2024, adds versatility to Tulane’s offensive options.
Retzlaff’s Impressive BYU Career
Despite the controversial ending, Jake Retzlaff had a remarkable career at BYU. In 2024, his first season as the full-time starter, he completed 57.9% of his passes for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. He also contributed 417 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Retzlaff led BYU to an impressive 11-2 record and a No. 13 final ranking in the Associated Press poll. The Cougars capped their successful season with a 36-14 victory over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. This performance established Retzlaff as one of the Big 12’s top quarterbacks.
His journey to BYU success was unconventional. Jake Retzlaff began his college career at Golden West College, where he threw for 3,302 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2021. He then transferred to Riverside City College, setting school records with 4,596 passing yards and 44 touchdowns in 2022.
Breaking Barriers as a Jewish Athlete
Jake Retzlaff’s time at BYU was historic beyond football achievements. As the first Jewish starting quarterback at the Mormon institution, he became a symbol of diversity and inclusion. Retzlaff was one of only three Jewish students among BYU’s 33,000 undergraduates.
The quarterback embraced his unique position, adopting the nickname “BYJew”. This moniker, coined by his brother, became a rallying cry for Jewish fans nationwide. Retzlaff’s visibility brought positive attention to Jewish representation in college sports.
His cultural impact extended beyond the football field. Retzlaff led the first public Hanukkah menorah lighting in Utah County history and performed Jewish rituals inside LaVell Edwards Stadium. These actions demonstrated his commitment to sharing his faith with the broader BYU community.
The Manischewitz NIL Deal
Jake Retzlaff’s Jewish identity led to a groundbreaking NIL partnership. In December 2024, he signed with Manischewitz, the kosher food company’s first sports sponsorship deal. The agreement included limited-edition matzo boxes featuring Retzlaff’s image and social media content showcasing Jewish traditions.
“Manischewitz has always been part of my life,” Retzlaff said in the announcement. “I grew up with matzo with peanut butter as my favorite snack, and every Passover, my family and I made matzo pizza together”. The partnership represented authentic cultural connection rather than typical athlete endorsements.
Retzlaff also trademarked his “BYJew” nickname, positioning himself to benefit from merchandise sales. The Chabad of Utah County sold shirts with his image, donating all proceeds to community initiatives.
Looking Ahead at Tulane
The 2025 season represents Jake Retzlaff’s final year of college eligibility. At Tulane, he enters a program with championship aspirations in the American Athletic Conference. The Green Wave finished 9-5 in 2024 and reached the AAC championship game.
Tulane’s offensive system should suit Retzlaff’s skill set well. His dual-threat ability provides versatility that Sumrall can utilize in various game situations. The quarterback’s experience in high-pressure games, including BYU’s successful Big 12 campaign, brings valuable leadership to a young team.
Jake Retzlaff’s arrival adds depth to Tulane’s quarterback competition. While he faces established competition from other transfers, his starting experience at the Power Four level distinguishes him. The battle for the starting position will likely extend into fall camp.
The Broader Transfer Portal Impact
Retzlaff’s transfer represents current trends in college football. Players increasingly use the transfer portal to find better opportunities or escape difficult situations. His unique path—withdrawing from school rather than entering the portal—demonstrates creative solutions within NCAA regulations.
The extensive vetting process Tulane conducted may set precedents for future high-profile transfers. Schools must balance competitive advantages with institutional reputation when considering controversial additions. Tulane’s methodical approach suggests responsible decision-making in the modern transfer era.
Cultural and Athletic Legacy
Jake Retzlaff’s story transcends typical college football narratives. His success at BYU challenged stereotypes and inspired Jewish athletes nationwide. The quarterback received messages from prominent figures, including Julian Edelman and various business executives.
His impact on the Jewish community was particularly significant during a challenging period of rising antisemitism. Retzlaff provided a positive story that celebrated Jewish identity and achievement. His visibility helped normalize Jewish presence in environments where they are traditionally underrepresented.
The transition to Tulane offers Jake Retzlaff an opportunity to continue this cultural impact. Tulane’s student body is 44% Jewish, providing a more familiar cultural environment. This demographic alignment may help Retzlaff feel more comfortable while maintaining his advocacy role.
Final Season Expectations
As Jake Retzlaff prepares for his final college season, expectations are high. He brings proven production, leadership experience, and unique cultural perspective to Tulane. The quarterback’s success at BYU demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure and exceed expectations.
The 2025 season will determine Retzlaff’s legacy beyond the BYU controversy. Strong performance at Tulane could restore his NFL draft prospects and cement his status as a successful college quarterback. His story of resilience and reinvention resonates with fans regardless of religious background.
Jake Retzlaff’s journey from junior college to BYU stardom to Tulane represents modern college football’s complexity. His ability to navigate challenges while maintaining his identity offers lessons for all student-athletes. The 2025 season will write the final chapter of a truly unique college football story.
Read More: Will Levis Out: Titans QB Needs Season-Ending Surgery
