QB Retzlaff's Departure from BYU: What It Means for the Team
QB Retzlaff's Departure from BYU: What It Means for the Team
On Friday, Jake Retzlaff made the decision to withdraw from BYU, marking the beginning of his transfer process from the school. This announcement came as a shock to many fans and teammates, as Retzlaff was a highly valued quarterback on the team. His departure raises questions about the future of BYU's football program and the impact it will have on the upcoming season. With Retzlaff's skills and leadership, he played a crucial role in the team's success, leaving a void that will need to be filled. The news has left many wondering, what's next for BYU's football team?
About the People Mentioned
Jake Retzlaff
Jake Retzlaff is an American college football quarterback who transferred to Tulane University from Brigham Young University (BYU) in the summer of 2025 and wears number 12 for the Tulane Green Wave. [1] He began his Division I career at BYU, where he earned recognition including Midseason Big 12 Quarterback of the Year honors from some outlets and All‑Big 12 mention during the 2024 season, and he produced a BYU career‑high 348 passing yards and three touchdowns in a season opener versus Southern Illinois. [2][1] Before joining BYU, Retzlaff was a highly productive junior‑college quarterback at Riverside City College and earlier at Golden West College, where he compiled prolific passing and rushing statistics, led Riverside to the California Community College State Championship game in 2022, and received multiple All‑California and Region honors. [1][2] At Riverside he threw for 4,596 yards and 44 touchdowns in 2022 and set school passing records, while at Golden West he helped lead an 11‑1 season and earned league and regional player‑of‑the‑year awards. [1][2] Retzlaff’s background includes prep football at Centennial High School in California; he did not have a senior high‑school season in 2020 because of the COVID‑19 pandemic. [1][2] Off the field, BYU roster information lists his major as Exercise Science and notes family and personal details such as parents and a brother who also played at Riverside City College. [2] In 2024–2025 Retzlaff drew media attention both for on‑field production in the Big 12 and for being a notable religious minority while starting at BYU; coverage highlighted his role as the program’s starting quarterback and his integration into the team’s culture. [4][2] As of his 2025 transfer, he is positioned to compete as Tulane’s quarterback and is current on Tulane and national college‑football rosters and highlight reels. [1][3]
About the Organizations Mentioned
BYU
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a prominent institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering a unique blend of academic and spiritual growth. Founded nearly 150 years ago, BYU has evolved into one of the largest private universities in the U.S., with a diverse student body of over 35,000 from 105 countries[4]. ## History and Organization BYU's history is deeply intertwined with its religious roots, with the university being part of the Church Educational System (CES)[2]. The institution is organized under a board of trustees, with the church's president serving as chairman[2]. BYU operates through 11 colleges, offering 198 major programs, 113 minor programs, and numerous graduate degrees[4]. ## Key Achievements - **Academic Excellence**: BYU is renowned for its top-ranked programs, including the No. 2 accounting program in the U.S. Its J. Reuben Clark Law School and Marriott School of Business are among the top 30 schools in their respective fields[4]. - **International Engagement**: BYU offers over 200 international study abroad programs across 60 countries, making it one of the top study abroad programs in the nation[4]. - **Linguistic Diversity**: Students at BYU speak over 121 languages, reflecting the university's global reach[4]. ## Current Status Currently, BYU is focused on enhancing its student experience through initiatives like the Inspiring Learning Initiative and advancing faith-based teaching[3]. The university also hosts significant events, such as the BYU Women's Conference, which draws thousands of participants annually[5]. ## Notable Aspects - **BYUSA**: The BYU Student Service Association (BYUSA) plays a crucial role in connecting students with leadership opportunities and volunteer activities[1]. - **Spiritual and Intellectual Growth**: BYU aims to provide an education that is spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, and character building[3]. - **Innovative Programs**: Programs like BYU
