BREAKING: BYU Quarterback Jake Retzlaff Expected to Transfer Amid Civil Lawsuit and Honor Code Suspension
Provo, Utah — BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is reportedly preparing to leave the university and has started notifying coaches and teammates of his decision, according to sources familiar with the situation. The move comes in the wake of a looming Honor Code suspension and an ongoing civil lawsuit in which Retzlaff is accused of raping a woman.
Retzlaff, who transferred to BYU from Riverside City College in California ahead of the 2023 season, had been viewed as a key piece in the Cougars’ quarterback room. He started four games in 2023 when former starter Kedon Slovis went down with injury, showing flashes of dual-threat ability but ultimately struggling to maintain consistency.
Now, his future with BYU appears over. Multiple sources have confirmed that Retzlaff has informed staff members and teammates of his intent to transfer. The development is reportedly tied to an impending suspension for violating BYU’s stringent Honor Code, which governs student conduct based on the university’s religious values.
At the center of the controversy is a civil lawsuit filed earlier this year in Utah County that accuses Retzlaff of sexually assaulting a woman. The alleged incident reportedly occurred during his time at BYU. Though no criminal charges have been filed at this time, the university initiated an internal investigation, and sources say Retzlaff was made aware that an Honor Code suspension was likely imminent.
Retzlaff has denied the allegations through his legal representation, calling the claims “unfounded and defamatory.” His legal team has stated that they intend to vigorously contest the lawsuit in court.
The quarterback’s departure leaves BYU in a state of uncertainty heading into the 2025 season. With Retzlaff gone and Slovis no longer in the program, the Cougars will likely turn to redshirt freshman Ryder Burton or recent signee Noah Lugo as potential options under center.
Retzlaff’s brief tenure in Provo ends under a cloud of controversy, but he was once seen as a promising addition to the team. In his final season at Riverside City College before transferring, he threw for over 4,600 yards and 44 touchdowns, earning Junior College All-American honors. That success made him one of the more sought-after JUCO quarterbacks in the country and a late addition to BYU’s 2023 recruiting class.
However, his on-field struggles at the FBS level combined with off-field issues have dramatically altered the arc of his football career.
BYU has not issued a public statement regarding Retzlaff’s status or the pending lawsuit, citing privacy policies. University officials have also declined to comment on any disciplinary proceedings tied to the Honor Code.
As for Retzlaff, his next destination remains unknown. Entering the transfer portal while facing a lawsuit may limit his options, as prospective programs assess the legal and public relations risks of bringing him on board.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
