Report: Ex-BYU QB Jake Retzlaff commits to Tulane

Field Level Media|published: Mon 21st July, 12:07 2025

Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff plans to transfer to Tulane, ESPN reported Monday.

Retzlaff left BYU earlier this month rather than face a potential seven-game suspension for violating the school's honor code.

Per the ESPN report, Tulane did an extensive look into Retzlaff's background before he made a verbal commitment to the school. He is expected on campus soon as a walk-on and will compete for the wide-open starting quarterback job.

Retzlaff has been the subject of tabloid-like news since being accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit this spring.

Retzlaff contended the sex was consensual. The suit was dismissed June 30 but Retzlaff still faced the suspension for violating the portion of the school's honor code that prohibits premarital sex.

"After a lot of prayer, reflection, and conversations with those I trust, I've made the difficult decision to officially withdraw from BYU and step away from the BYU Football program," Retzlaff said on Instagram.

"BYU has meant more to me than just football. It's been a place of growth -- spiritually, mentally and physically. I'm grateful for every teammate, coach, staff member and fan who's supported me along the way. The relationships and memories I've made in Provo will always be a part of me."

Retzlaff has an existing relationship with Tulane coach Jon Sumrall, built along the recruiting trail through the years.

The quarterback was 11-2 last season as the starter at BYU. He passed for 2,947 yards, throwing 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound QB is a redshirt senior.

Already in the quarterback room at Tulane are three other transfers: Brendan Sullivan from Iowa, Kadin Semonza (Ball State) and Donovan Leary (Illinois). The starter last season, Darian Mensah, transferred to Duke.

TJ Finley, who was expected to start for the Green Wave, was suspended after being arrested amid allegations of possession of stolen property and subsequently left the program.

Tulane finished 9-5 in 2024 in Sumrall's first season in New Orleans.

--Field Level Media

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