After facing a potential suspension following an alleged sexual violation, BYU QB Jake Retzlaff is reportedly considering entering the transfer portal before the 2025 season begins.
The full impact remains unclear and could be negative. This uncertainty comes because Retzlaff was a high-profile starter last season, who threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns. But the civil lawsuit has shaken everything out of BYU’s hands.
Jake Retzlaff To Leave BYU Following Serious Allegations and Suspension
Retzlaff started 13 games for the Cougars during the 2024 season, leading the program to an 11–2 record, including a win over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. However, the future grew murky due to a civil lawsuit filed earlier this year.
According to ESPN, Retzlaff told teammates and staff that he plans to leave BYU after being informed of a likely seven-game suspension. The suspension is reportedly related to a BYU honor code violation connected to his civil lawsuit.
BYU QB Jake Retzlaff is planning to transfer from the school, sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday.
He is facing a suspension after admitting to premarital sex, a violation of BYU’s honor code that surfaced during his response to a civil lawsuit alleging he raped a woman in… pic.twitter.com/IyuXzG0Zhb
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) June 30, 2025
The civil suit was filed in May 2025 by a Utah woman identified as Jane Doe A.G. She accused Retzlaff of rape, strangulation, and biting during a November 2023 incident at his apartment in Provo. Retzlaff denied the assault, stating the encounter was consensual. However, he admitted to premarital sex, which violates BYU’s Honor Code.
As a result, the college reportedly told him he would face a seven-game suspension. This prompted his decision to enter the transfer portal.
Retzlaff has not yet officially committed to another program. Reports suggest Notre Dame is his top target, but Northwestern and Utah have also been mentioned as possible destinations.
Retzlaff’s Departure Signals Major QB Change for BYU
With Retzlaff leaving, the Cougars now face a major quarterback shakeup just weeks before the season kicks off. His exit has opened the door to a fierce competition between Treyson Bourguet, McCae Hillstead, and Bear Bachmeier.
Bourguet and Hillstead are expected to emerge as the top contenders in the starting QB battle. Bachmeier feels like a dark horse since he hasn’t had enough time in BYU’s attack to fully showcase his ability.
Head coach Kalani Sitake, entering his 10th season with the program, may now be facing one of his most complicated situations. It remains to be seen who will ultimately earn the QB1 role.
So far, the program has not released a formal statement beyond acknowledging the civil lawsuit involving Retzlaff.
Can a lawsuit be brought against Ratzlaff for breach of good faith and damages to BYU?