Embattled quarterback Jake Retzlaff announced Friday that he is withdrawing from BYU, a move that comes after he was recently accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit.
Retzlaff contended the sex was consensual. The suit was dismissed June 30 but Retzlaff still faced a seven-game suspension for violating the school’s honor code that prohibits premarital sex.
“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,” Retzlaff said on Instagram.
“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.”
Retzlaff will likely walk on to another program in coming weeks.
Retzlaff emerged as a star last season and the school has no clear-cut replacement for the 2025 campaign.
“We are grateful for the time Jake Retzlaff has spent at BYU,” the school’s athletic department said in a statement. “As he moves forward, BYU Athletics understands and respects Jake’s decision to withdraw from BYU, and we wish him all the best as he enters the next phase of his career.”
At this week’s Big 12 media days, coach Kalani Sitake had little to say about Retzlaff.
“We love Jake Retzlaff and appreciate all that he’s done for our program,” Sitake said on Tuesday. “… It would be inappropriate for me to make a statement in his situation.”
The lawsuit alleged that Retzlaff committed the assault in November 2023 at his home in Provo, Utah.
According to the suit, Retzlaff and Jane Doe started to watch a movie in his room and began kissing. The lawsuit says Jane Doe did not want to go any further and asked him to “stop,” but Retzlaff eventually found a condom and assaulted her.
Retzlaff, a California native who began his career playing for Riverside (Calif.) City College, transferred to BYU prior to the 2023 season. After starting the final four games in 2023, he won a training-camp battle to become the Cougars’ regular quarterback in 2024. He led them to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.
He finished the campaign with 2,947 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound redshirt senior had been expected to reprise his role this fall.
Now Retzlaff will seek to make an impact at another school.
“I’m excited to turn the page and embrace the next chapter,” Retzlaff said. “My journey is far from over — and I’m more motivated than ever to keep chasing my goals.”
BYU opens the season Aug. 30 against visiting Portland State.
–Field Level Media
