Former BYU QB Jake Retzlaff reportedly finds new landing spot

PROVO – Former BYU football quarterback Jake Retzlaff has reportedly found a new landing spot.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Retzlaff has committed to the Tulane Green Wave as a walk-on.

Report: Jake Retzlaff commits to Tulane

Tulane plays in The American. The Green Wave has been considered a program that Retzlaff had the potential to land at after officially withdrawing from BYU more than a week ago.

After losing last year’s starter quarterback, Darian Mensah, who transferred to Duke, Tulane has been in need of a quarterback for the 2025 season. Retzlaff joins a Tulane quarterback unit that includes Iowa transfer Brendan Sullivan, Ball State transfer Kadin Semonza, and Illinois transfer Donovan Leary.

Tulane was 9-5 last year in the first season under head coach Jon Sumrall. The Green Wave opens the 2025 season at home against Northwestern at Yulman Stadium.

Timeline of events for Retzlaff with BYU football

Jake Retzlaff withdrew from Brigham Young University on the heels of a civil lawsuit for sexual assault being filed against him on May 21.

Retzlaff’s lawsuit was officially dismissed on June 30.

Still, Retzlaff was expected to face a suspension by the faith-based institution’s Honor Code office.

Thamel reported that Tulane “spent more than a week doing a vetting process” regarding the case centered around Retzlaff.

Then two weeks later on July 11, Retzlaff officially announced his departure from BYU.

“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,” the statement began. “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.”

“That said, I’m excited to turn the page and embrace the next chapter. My journey is far from over – and I’m more motivated than ever to keep chasing my goals.,” Retzlaff finished.

Before the civil lawsuit was filed in May, Retzlaff, the redshirt senior signal caller from Corona, California, was BYU’s clear-cut leader at the quarterback position exiting spring practices this past March.

Jake Retzlaff was BYU’s starting quarterback dating back to 2023

Last season, Retzlaff was the starting quarterback in all 13 games during BYU’s 11-2 season that was capped off by a win over Colorado in the 2024 Alamo Bowl. Retzlaff started in 17 games as a BYU quarterback, posting an 11-6 record.

He passed for 2,947 yards, completing 57.9% of his passes, and tossed 20 touchdowns to 12 interceptions a year ago.

Retzlaff, a former Junior College transfer, has spent the past two seasons at BYU. In 2023, he appeared in four games, all of which were starts, while counting that year as a redshirt season.

Before his time at BYU, he was a junior college prospect at Golden West College, later transferring to Riverside City College, where he emerged as the No. 1 JUCO quarterback in the country for the 2023 recruiting cycle.

Retzlaff majored in Exercise and Wellness at Brigham Young University.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.