After a 12-win season, BYU took to the practice field to build on last year’s efforts. The team, now in spring practice, followed its usual routine. Transfers and recruits battled for starting jobs, keeping competition intense. Then, a familiar face walked back onto the practice field in Provo. A former Cougar returned, but not for the usual reasons.
Former BYU Quarterback Jake Retzlaff to Throw for Chase Roberts at Pro Day
With the program’s pro day scheduled for Friday, March 20, Jake Retzlaff has returned to the field in Provo this week. However, this event is not for his own prospects; Retzlaff is participating to support a former teammate. Mitch Harper from KSL.com detailed Retzlaff’s visit, which happened just days before the pro day.
“Former BYU QB Jake Retzlaff was at BYU practice on Tuesday. He will be throwing passes to Chase Roberts at BYU Pro Day on Friday.”
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After playing two seasons in Provo and leading the BYU Cougars to an 11-2 record in 2024, Retzlaff withdrew from the university. The honor code, which sets standards for BYU students, was a focal point when Retzlaff faced a seven-game suspension for a violation at the university, which is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retzlaff ultimately chose to leave the program rather than serve the suspension.
Following these events, Retzlaff entered the transfer portal, choosing to play the 2025 season at Tulane University. There, he accounted for 31 total touchdowns and 3,802 total offensive yards as the Green Wave competed in the American Athletic Conference. Retzlaff’s college career concluded following the 2025 season, and he is now preparing for the NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, freshman Bear Bachmeier won the starting job in Provo. His only two losses came at the hands of Texas Tech, the second coming in the Big 12 Championship Game. Bachmeier finished the 2025 season with 3,033 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and 11 rushing touchdowns, leading the Cougars to a victory over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
His performance helped solidify his standing in the college football landscape, and he ended up ranked No. 17 on the PFSN CFB QB Impact Rankings. Given this background, Retzlaff’s return to campus sparked reactions. At the 40-second mark of this video, “Locked On Cougars” host Jake Hatch offers his perspective on the situation.
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As mentioned, on Friday, Retzlaff will throw for Chase Roberts. Currently, Roberts holds a Day 3 draft projection. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds at the NFL Combine, which was the slowest time among wide receivers in attendance.
Retzlaff knows where Roberts prefers to place the ball and how to showcase his strengths to those in attendance.
