Jake Retzlaff thought he found his fresh start. One Monday, it was reported that the former BYU quarterback committed to walk on at Tulane, ready to put his controversial exit behind him. But Tulane fans had other plans. Within minutes of the announcement, they made it clear that his past isn’t staying in Utah.
Why Are Tulane Fans So Hostile Toward QB Jake Retzlaff’s Arrival?
This late in the summer, high-profile players changing teams should always merit a stern look. The player wouldn’t need to wait until late July to find a new home if they were highly regarded. Granted, circumstances may differ from player to player.
However, what stays constant is a fanbase that will never mince words, choosing to air their opinions with speed and force.
Historically, Tulane has not been a traditional power. Yet, the Green Wave has made incremental steps toward prominence in recent years. While they may never reach the lofty accomplishments of LSU, which resides just over an hour away, progress matters at every level.
Despite this context, former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff committed to walk on at Tulane. In two seasons with the Cougars, the transfer threw for 3,595 yards with 23 touchdowns, completing 56% of his passes.
However, his BYU chapter ended controversially. In June, he left the program after admitting to breaking the school’s honor code by engaging in premarital sexual activity. The school looked to suspend him for seven games. Instead, Retzlaff left the campus. On3’s Pete Nakos tweeted the move.
NEWS: Former BYU QB Jake Retzlaff has committed to walk-on at Tulane, @PeteNakos_ reports🌊https://t.co/EOjcJUP9tB pic.twitter.com/k69TUw1XWF
— On3 (@On3sports) July 21, 2025
To say the Tulane fans did not go easy on him is quite the understatement. Some instantly started comparing him to the Green Wave’s other rostered passers.
Brendan Sullivan’s better
— Not Nile Kinnick (@Not_NileKinnick) July 21, 2025
Brendan Sullivan, a two-time transfer (Northwestern/Iowa), also looks to be in contention for the starting job. He is a far more accurate passer (69.4%) than Retzlaff, with decent mobility (seven touchdowns) despite his 6’4″, 220-pound frame.
Ty Thompson has a new water boy!
— DaKizzler Prescott (@dakizzler488117) July 21, 2025
Ty Thompson converted to tight end from quarterback. The assumption here is that Retzlaff will end up switching positions, which seems highly improbable, considering he’s listed at 6’1″ and 205 pounds. He lacks the size and bulk to play tight end, the agility to play running back, and the athleticism to serve as a functional wide receiver. He’s a quarterback and nothing more.
Meanwhile, other fans took a blunt approach to his career prospects.
Rip career
— CalibraskaGoldenHusker (@AndrewCulver16) July 21, 2025
Retzlaff enters a quarterback room where he faces more than one teammate in competition. This is his last year before entertaining any NFL aspirations. As a result, Tulane could be his final stop on the way to becoming a permanent backup.
EDITOR’S PICK: Insider Reveals Ex-BYU QB Jake Retzlaff’s Tulane Commitment Went Through Several Legal Hoops
While Retzlaff looked impressive last season at BYU, he won’t automatically be handed the starting role. Reports from On3’s Pete Nakos reported that he will be in the quarterback battle.
Still, that didn’t stop some fans from speculating that a Retzlaff-led Tulane squad could potentially get a College Football Playoff spot.
Any change he starts?
Tulane is basically the power 4 G League— The CFB Fiend (@LearnToday50) July 21, 2025
Retzlaff begins his final collegiate career in New Orleans. Without much hope and with many questions needing to be answered, can he win the starting job? More importantly, will he win over the fans?
