Former BYU starting quarterback Jaren Hall announced his retirement from football on Wednesday. He played quarterback at BYU from 2018 to 2022 and was the first African American quarterback in the program’s storied history.
How the BYU Community Reacted to Jaren Hall’s Retirement
Hall made a major impact during his time at BYU, especially across his final two seasons as the Cougars’ starting quarterback in 2021 and 2022. He started 22 games throughout those two years and established himself as one of the most efficient passers in program history. He finished his BYU career with 52 touchdown passes and only 11 interceptions, giving him the best interception-avoidance percentage in school history.
After the former BYU star announced his retirement from football, social media quickly filled with reactions.
“A true BYU legend in every sense,” Deseret News’ lead BYU basketball reporter Jackson Payne wrote.
“Former @BYUfootball QB @jarenhall3 has retired from pro football via his Instagram account. All the best to Jaren in his next ventures!” BYUtv Sports Nation host Spencer Linton tweeted.
Hall finished fourth all-time in BYU’s history in career passer efficiency rating at 158.25 and was tied with BYU great Steve Young for fourth in career completion percentage at 65.2%.
Hall started 10 games in 2021 and completed 189 of 296 passes while throwing for 2,583 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. One of the best moments of his college career came that season when he helped BYU snap a 9-game losing streak against rival Utah, leading the Cougars to a 26-17 win.
Hall followed that up with an even stronger season in 2022, throwing for 3,171 yards with a 66% completion rate while recording 31 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions during his junior season.
“Congratulations on an outstanding career @jarenhall3. A remarkable human being both on and off the field,” Center Street Media’s X handle posted.
“Jaren Hal was one of my very first interviews as media (the 2nd to be exact). Still till this day one of my favorite interviews. Such a great guy and humble person. Wish you nothing but the best in retirement, Jaren – and hopefully I can get to interview you again post-career,” Gridiron Apex owner Dante wrote.
Hall earned several honors during his college career, including Independent Offensive Player of the Year, Phil Steele All-Independent First Team recognition, Pro Football Network Independent Quarterback of the Year, and College Football Network All-Independent First Team honors.
Hall later entered the NFL as a fifth-round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2023 NFL Draft. He appeared in 3 games for the Vikings during the 2023 season. He later spent time on the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad in 2024 and had a brief stint with the Birmingham Stallions in 2026 before ultimately stepping away from football.
Read More: ‘He Doesn’t Really Care’: Lane Kiffin’s True Colors Revealed Despite Ole Miss Apology
