BYU Quarterback Jake Retzlaff Named in Civil Lawsuit Alleging Assault
Jake Retzlaff, the projected starting quarterback for the BYU Cougars, is facing serious legal scrutiny after being named in a civil lawsuit filed earlier this month. The lawsuit accuses Retzlaff of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress stemming from an alleged incident in November 2023.
The allegations, outlined in documents filed in Utah’s 4th District Court, claim that Retzlaff assaulted a woman after inviting her to his apartment. The plaintiff’s legal team asserts that she experienced significant emotional and physical trauma as a result of the incident.
Retzlaff, through his attorney, has denied all accusations, calling them “unfounded” and asserting that he expects to be fully cleared. In a statement issued to the media, his legal representative said, “Mr. Retzlaff strongly denies any wrongdoing. He is cooperating fully with the legal process and is confident the truth will prevail.”
BYU University officials released a brief statement acknowledging the lawsuit and confirmed they are aware of the situation. They emphasized the university’s commitment to Title IX compliance and indicated that any necessary investigations will proceed through the school’s established procedures.
Retzlaff transferred to BYU in 2022 and started several games during the 2023 season. He is widely seen as the front-runner to lead the Cougars’ offense into the 2025 campaign, making the timing and potential implications of the lawsuit particularly impactful for the football program.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed, and the university has not announced any disciplinary action. However, the civil lawsuit’s progression — and any findings from a Title IX review — could influence both Retzlaff’s playing status and BYU’s quarterback plans moving forward.
The case is still in its early stages, with legal proceedings expected to unfold over the coming months.
