The connection between quarterbacks and receivers often runs deeper than just on-field chemistry. For Jake Retzlaff, now throwing passes for the Tulane Green Wave after his time at BYU, that bond was forged long before either stepped onto a college field. Their story begins at Riverside City College, where brotherhood met football in the most literal sense.
How Did Jake Retzlaff Build His Legendary Junior College Numbers?
Before Jake Retzlaff connected with wide receivers at BYU and now the Tulane Green Wave, he was part of a prodigious passing game at Riverside City College (RCC).
In 2022, Retzlaff started 13 games for RCC and threw for 4,596 yards and 44 touchdowns. He set school records for most passing yards in a game (529) and touchdowns (6). One of his favorite targets on that team in Riverside was his brother.
Who Is Jake Retzlaff’s Brother?
Jake’s brother, Reggie Retzlaff, was his favorite target even before they played together at RCC. The two grew up playing football together, building the chemistry that would later break records at the junior college level.
Reggie is two years older than Jake and went the JUCO route to play football first. He started at Golden West before moving on to RCC, and his younger brother Jake soon followed.
In their first game together at Riverside, Reggie caught 10 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns. However, before Jake arrives on the scene, Reggie has already established himself as a star. He was part of a National Championship team in 2019. After he and Jake teamed up, Reggie earned JUCO All-State, All-Conference and All-American honors in 2022.
What Has Reggie Retzlaff Accomplished at Colorado State University Pueblo?
Reggie transferred to Colorado State University Pueblo in 2023, and his star has grown bright. His junior year was strong, as he caught 48 passes for 805 yards and tied a school record with 12 receiving touchdowns. He also racked up three 100-plus yard receiving games and four games with two or more touchdown receptions, including a three-touchdown day at Fort Lewis.
He was even better in 2024. He started all 11 games for the ThunderWolves. He set or tied single-season school records in receptions (67), receiving yards (1,228), and receiving touchdowns (12), while averaging 18.3 yards per catch and 111.6 receiving yards per game.
Beyond the individual records, he also led the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in receiving yards per game and touchdowns. He finished second in receptions per game (6.1) and all-purpose yards per game (112.5). These numbers placed him among the elite receivers in Division II football.
Thanks to that outstanding performance, he was named to the First-Team AP Division II All-American team and the First-Team AFCA Division II All-American team. He was also a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy (NCAA Division II version of the Heisman Trophy).
Can Reggie Retzlaff Make the Jump to Professional Football?
Reggie Retzlaff enters his 2025 season with high expectations. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound receiver has already shown that he’s a diamond in the rough for NFL scouts. He plays in Division II, but he’s proven dominant against his opposition, evidenced by his 24 receiving touchdowns and 2,033 career receiving yards with the ThunderWolves.
The older Retzlaff brothers’ recognition continues to grow. He was named to the 2025 Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List and was a 2025 preseason First-Team All-RMAC team member. He’s one of just 10 NCAA Division II players named to the list, making him one of the few stars at that level who are considered legitimate pro prospects.
With Jake now making waves in Division I football, Reggie is definitely someone to watch in 2025 as he continues building his case for the next level.
