Jake Retzlaff is taking an unprecedented approach to the transfer portal. ESPN reporter Pete Thamel reported on Friday that the BYU quarterback is withdrawing from the school.
According to Thamel, Retzlaff remains focused on transferring but is not expected to use the NCAA transfer portal. Instead, the Cougars quarterback plans to just enroll at a new school.
Sources: Quarterback Jake Retzlaff is withdrawing from school at BYU. He still plans on transferring and is expected to take a transfer path that does not involve the NCAA Transfer portal. He plans to simply enroll at a new school. pic.twitter.com/pEsKXHXgsH
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 11, 2025
Retzlaff confirmed the news with a statement on his Instagram.
”I’m excited to turn the page and embrace the next chapter,” Retzlaff wrote. “My journey is far from over — and I’m more motivated than ever to keep chasing my goals.”
View this post on Instagram
News of Retzlaff withdrawing from BYU comes just four days after Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts offered his insight into the program’s quarterback battle.
Roberts reflected on BYU’s future with a new quarterback in an interview with 365 Sports at Big 12 Media Days.
“You’re going to have a different quarterback. You don’t know who that’s going to be, but how much does the culture that you guys have set deal with a situation that no one was ready for and no one predicts?,” Roberts was asked. “And given that you guys know how to win in this league, do you think it’ll be easier than maybe a normal situation that would have happened at a time where you weren’t ready?”
Roberts remained confident in his Cougars amidst the quarterback uncertainty.
“Yeah, I think honestly this happens. This is sports. People make mistakes and next man up, right? And that’s what we what we preach and what we do at BYU is, you know, be ready at any moment.
“And I think we’re very confident in who we have at quarterback right now. The battle that’s going to happen during fall camp and we’re just going to rally behind whoever it is. And so we’re just grateful for the opportunity to go play this game of football and to have opportunities to step up and to lead the team to victory when it comes to the fall.”
It’s still yet to be decided who will take over for Retzlaff as BYU’s starting quarterback this fall, but Roberts has faith in the Cougars.
Jake Retzlaff sued for alleged rape, strangulation
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has been sued by a Utah woman who alleged that he raped, strangled and bit her. The woman filed a lawsuit in May.
The woman alleged that the incident happened at Retzlaff’s house in November 2023 and that she was encouraged by Provo police not to do anything after reporting the attack. Police say the case was closed after the woman declined to identify her abuser.
According to court documents obtained by ESPN, the civil lawsuit has now been dismissed. However, Jake Retzlaff will still leave BYU to avoid a potential suspension for the alleged attack.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
