Two Players Earning First-Team Camp Reps in BYU Football QB Battle
PROVO, Utah — The race to become BYU football’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season is officially heating up, and two signal-callers have clearly separated themselves early in fall camp. Head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed Thursday that junior Jake Retzlaff and sophomore Ryder Burton are the primary contenders taking first-team reps this week, signaling a tightening competition ahead of the Cougars’ season opener.
Both players entered camp with momentum, but for different reasons. Retzlaff, who transferred from Riverside City College before the 2023 season, gained valuable experience last fall, starting multiple games when injuries hit the quarterback room. Known for his quick release and ability to extend plays with his legs, Retzlaff brings a blend of confidence and leadership to the huddle. Coaches say his command of the playbook has been evident in the first week of camp.
“Jake has been sharp, especially with pre-snap reads,” offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said. “He’s getting the ball out quickly, making decisive throws, and showing poise in the pocket. The experience he got last year is paying off.”
On the other side, Burton, a homegrown talent from Springville High School, has turned heads with his arm talent and growth since last season. The former four-star recruit spent most of 2024 learning behind the scenes, but his improvement in accuracy and decision-making has been noticeable. Burton’s deep-ball touch and natural feel for the game have given him a legitimate shot to challenge Retzlaff for the starting role.
“Ryder has made huge strides,” Sitake said. “His confidence is high, he’s been throwing the ball really well, and his chemistry with the receivers has been impressive. It’s clear he’s ready to compete.”
The quarterback battle comes at a pivotal moment for BYU. The Cougars are entering their second season in the Big 12, where offensive efficiency and quarterback stability are critical for competing with top-tier programs. After an up-and-down 2024 campaign that saw BYU finish 5–7, the staff is determined to find a consistent leader who can guide the offense from Week 1 through November.
Teammates say the competition has been healthy and productive. Wide receiver Chase Roberts noted that both Retzlaff and Burton bring distinct strengths to the table, and the offense benefits from facing different styles during practice.
“With Jake, you know the tempo’s going to be fast and he’s going to get the ball to you quick,” Roberts said. “With Ryder, you might see the deep shot coming and have to be ready for it. They both push each other and make us better.”
While Sitake hasn’t set a hard deadline for naming a starter, sources within the program suggest the decision could come before the final week of camp to give the offense time to settle in. Until then, both Retzlaff and Burton will continue splitting first-team reps, each looking for that standout moment that convinces coaches they’re the right choice.
For now, the BYU quarterback battle is a two-man race — and with each practice, the margin between the two appears razor-thin. Whoever wins the job will inherit not just the keys to the offense, but also the responsibility of steering BYU through a challenging Big 12 schedule.
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