In a story that continues to ripple through the college football world, BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff finds himself at the center of a complex and deeply personal reckoning. According to reporting by Gordon Monson and others, Retzlaff fully expects to face the consequences of violating Brigham Young University’s Honor Code—a decision that could dramatically impact his future both on and off the field.
Retzlaff, who led the Cougars to an impressive 11-2 season in 2024, is reportedly facing a seven-game suspension stemming from a civil lawsuit filed earlier this year. Though the lawsuit—alleging sexual assault—has since been dismissed, Retzlaff admitted to engaging in consensual premarital sex, which is a clear violation of BYU’s Honor Code [A](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/byu-cougars/2025/06/28/jake-retzlaff-byu-honor-code-new/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTHFDemNiQ1k5SnZQMk4zbmhIN3pyIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNsdHJpYi5jb21cL3Nwb3J0c1wvYnl1LWNvdWdhcnNcLzIwMjVcLzA2XC8yOFwvamFrZS1yZXR6bGFmZi1ieXUtaG9ub3ItY29kZS1uZXdcLyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6IkZNUjNEVFNCSFFVYXRQS01MYlA0aSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/07/01/byu-honor-code-jake-retzlaff-transfer/84416278007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cuanNvbmxpbmUuY29tXC9zdG9yeVwvc3BvcnRzXC9uY2FhZlwvMjAyNVwvMDdcLzAxXC9ieXUtaG9ub3ItY29kZS1qYWtlLXJldHpsYWZmLXRyYW5zZmVyXC84NDQxNjI3ODAwN1wvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiRk1SM0RUU0JIUVVhdFBLTUxiUDRpIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6IkxxQ3pjYkNZOUp2UDJOM25oSDd6ciJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The Honor Code, rooted in the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, requires students to “live a chaste and virtuous life,” and prohibits sexual relations outside of marriage [B](https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/07/01/byu-honor-code-jake-retzlaff-transfer/84416278007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cuanNvbmxpbmUuY29tXC9zdG9yeVwvc3BvcnRzXC9uY2FhZlwvMjAyNVwvMDdcLzAxXC9ieXUtaG9ub3ItY29kZS1qYWtlLXJldHpsYWZmLXRyYW5zZmVyXC84NDQxNjI3ODAwN1wvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX21lc3NhZ2VJZCI6IkxxQ3pjYkNZOUp2UDJOM25oSDd6ciIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6IkZNUjNEVFNCSFFVYXRQS01MYlA0aSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Rather than deflect or deny, Retzlaff has chosen to confront the situation head-on. Sources close to the quarterback suggest that he understands the gravity of his actions and is prepared to accept the university’s disciplinary measures. This includes not only the suspension but also potential restrictions on team activities and leadership roles. It’s a stance that reflects maturity and accountability—qualities that have defined Retzlaff’s approach throughout his career.
The implications of this suspension are significant. With only one year of eligibility remaining, missing more than half the season could jeopardize Retzlaff’s NFL aspirations [A](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/byu-cougars/2025/06/28/jake-retzlaff-byu-honor-code-new/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGTVIzRFRTQkhRVWF0UEtNTGJQNGkiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTHFDemNiQ1k5SnZQMk4zbmhIN3pyIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNsdHJpYi5jb21cL3Nwb3J0c1wvYnl1LWNvdWdhcnNcLzIwMjVcLzA2XC8yOFwvamFrZS1yZXR6bGFmZi1ieXUtaG9ub3ItY29kZS1uZXdcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). BYU’s coaching staff, led by Kalani Sitake, now faces a difficult decision: whether to stand by their quarterback or pivot to other options like McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, or Stanford transfer Bear Bachmeier. The quarterback room is talented, but none bring the experience or production that Retzlaff offers.
Gordon Monson’s commentary highlights the tension between institutional values and athletic ambition. BYU has long held firm to its Honor Code, even when enforcing it meant sidelining star athletes. Retzlaff’s case is no exception. The university’s commitment to its standards sends a message that character and integrity matter just as much as wins and rankings.
For Retzlaff, this moment could become a defining chapter in his journey. If he chooses to remain at BYU and serve his suspension, he’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate growth, resilience, and leadership in the face of adversity. If he opts to transfer, as some reports have suggested, he’ll carry the lessons of this experience with him—perhaps as a cautionary tale, perhaps as a turning point.
Either way, the story of Jake Retzlaff is no longer just about football. It’s about choices, consequences, and the courage to face them. And in the world of college athletics, that kind of accountability is as rare—and as valuable—as a game-winning touchdown.
