When Jake Retzlaff stepped back onto the field at BYU’s 2026 Pro Day, it wasn’t just another workout; it was a moment that reflected growth, perspective, and the enduring culture built within the program.
Jake Retzlaff Welcomed Back to BYU for 2026 Pro Day
Retzlaff, now coming off a successful stint with the Tulane Green Wave, returned to Provo to support former teammates and showcase his abilities to NFL scouts. Among those he threw to was longtime friend Chase Roberts, as both players look to take the next step toward professional careers.
Despite the circumstances surrounding Retzlaff’s earlier departure from the Cougars, head coach Kalani Sitake made it clear in a recent interview at the Pro Day that there were no hard feelings, only support.
“Once a Cougar, always a Cougar,” Sitake said.
It’s a phrase often heard in college athletics, but in this case, it carried real weight. Sitake didn’t just say it. He lived it, welcoming Retzlaff back into the program with open arms and reinforcing the culture of loyalty and respect he has built at BYU. His actions spoke louder than words, demonstrating the genuine care he has for his players, past and present.
“Once a Cougar, always a Cougar…”
Coach Sitake grateful to have Jake Retzlaff at Pro Day 💙 pic.twitter.com/Wg7xx3Oci6
— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) March 20, 2026
Retzlaff’s journey since leaving BYU adds another layer to the story. After transferring to Tulane, he experienced a noticeable jump in performance and development at the quarterback position.
His PFSN CFB QB Impact score rose to 86.6 this past season, a significant increase from his 75.4 mark in 2024. While the change of scenery appeared to benefit him, it’s fair to wonder whether that growth would have occurred regardless, considering 2024 was his first full season as a starter.
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Meanwhile, BYU also found its footing after his departure. BYU posted a PFSN CFB Offensive Impact Score of 82.7, which was up from its 2024 mark as well.
What initially looked like a setback turned into an opportunity for reinvention. The coaching staff, led by Sitake, went back to the drawing board and retooled the offense.
The result was a resurgence that culminated in a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game. The emergence of freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier suggested that the new system and personnel may have been a better fit for the program moving forward.
Both sides ultimately thrived.
Retzlaff helped lead Tulane to an AAC Championship while putting together the most productive statistical season of his career. BYU, on the other hand, proved resilient, evolving into a conference contender despite early uncertainty.
In an era where transfers and program changes often come with lingering tension, this situation stands out as a rare win-win. Retzlaff’s return to the Pro Day wasn’t just about throwing passes; it was about acknowledging where his journey began. And for Sitake, it was another opportunity to show that relationships matter more than circumstances.
The reunion served as a reminder that, at its best, college football is still about connection, growth, and mutual respect.
