Jake Retzlaff, the former BYU quarterback who led the Cougars to an impressive 11-2 record last season, has verbally committed to transfer to Tulane University.
The move comes in the wake of his sudden withdrawal from BYU and a suspension tied to a violation of the school’s strict honor code.
Tulane Vets Transfer Following Lawsuit And Suspension
According to multiple reports, Tulane spent over a week conducting a thorough background check on Retzlaff, including a review by the university’s Title IX office, before greenlighting his enrollment.
He’s expected to join the program as a walk-on and will compete for the starting quarterback position during training camp.
Retzlaff’s departure from BYU became official on July 11, when he withdrew from the school following a planned seven-game suspension for violating the school’s honor code, specifically, an admission of premarital sex.
The suspension followed a civil lawsuit filed in May accusing him of sexual assault, an allegation Retzlaff denied in its entirety.
He was never criminally charged, and the lawsuit was jointly dismissed with prejudice on June 30.
Because Retzlaff had not yet completed his degree, he was unable to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Instead, he withdrew from BYU and opted to enroll at Tulane as a non-scholarship athlete.
Despite being unable to redshirt this year, his fifth and final season of college eligibility, Retzlaff will compete immediately.
The unusual timing of the transfer meant that few programs were still actively looking for a starting quarterback.
However, Tulane, facing its own quarterback uncertainty after the departure of Darian Mensah to Duke and the spring arrest and exit of TJ Finley, became a viable landing spot.
Retzlaff Brings On-Field Production And Off-Field Questions
During the 2024 season, Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing nearly 58% of his passes.
His performance helped BYU to an 11-2 record in their first season as a Big 12 program.
Before his time at BYU, Retzlaff played two seasons at junior college and was redshirted after starting the final four games of the 2023 season.
Despite the off-field controversy, Retzlaff leaves BYU on relatively favorable terms. In an Instagram post dated July 11, he wrote:
“BYU has meant more to me than just football. It’s been a place of growth, spiritually, mentally, and physically. I’m grateful for every teammate, coach, staff member, and fan who’s supported me along the way. The relationships and memories I’ve made in Provo will always be a part of me.”
A Familiar Face At The Helm
Retzlaff’s connection with Tulane coach Jon Sumrall played a pivotal role in the transfer.
Sumrall recruited Retzlaff during his time at Troy, and the two have maintained a relationship since that recruitment cycle.
Sources say this longstanding connection helped smooth the transfer process, even amid heightened scrutiny.
Retzlaff will enter a quarterback room crowded with transfers.
Tulane also added Brendan Sullivan (Iowa), Kadin Semonza (Ball State), and Donovan Leary (Illinois) in the offseason.
None of the four quarterbacks competing for the starting job were with the program before January, highlighting just how much turnover the Green Wave have seen at the position.
Tulane is coming off a 9-5 season under Sumrall’s first year in charge, following back-to-back double-digit win seasons under former head coach Willie Fritz.
The team is looking to stabilize its offense and remain a contender in the American Athletic Conference.
Jake Retzlaff is set to arrive at Tulane on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the situation.
While no promises have been made regarding the starting role, he will have a chance to earn it during training camp, a second opportunity to prove himself, both on and off the field.
