Jake Retzlaff Update: Days after suspension for breaking BYU's Honor Code, Cougars' QB announces transfer decision

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, a fifth-year senior, has reportedly told teammates and coaches he plans to transfer days after school officials informed him he faced a seven-game suspension for admitting to premarital sex, a violation of BYU’s Honor Code.

"The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX,” BYU issued a statement, per ESPN. “Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment."

The admission came in a legal filing denying allegations from a Salt Lake woman who accused Retzlaff of sexual assault in November 2023. According to ESPN, his attorney said the encounter was consensual but confirmed premarital sex, which the Honor Code prohibits for all students. No criminal charges have been filed.

Retzlaff, who graduated in April, started for BYU last season and was expected to lead the offense again.

The Cougars have prepared backups McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet and Bear Bachmeier to compete for the job, but school officials declined further comment, citing privacy laws.

Ryder Lyons may reclassify to BYU following Jake Retzlaff's exit

Five-star QB Ryder Lyons, BYU’s top commit for the 2026 class, could skip his senior year at Folsom High School and join the Cougars this fall, a move gaining traction after Jake Retzlaff entered the transfer portal following his suspension.

Jake Retzlaff (12) takes a photo with Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Kyle Scott (77) - Source: Imagn

BYU coach Kalani Sitake’s staff views an early reclassification as a chance to accelerate Lyons’ development and adjust the timeline for his LDS mission, mirroring Colorado’s approach with Julian Lewis. If Lyons stays in the 2026 class, BYU’s quarterback battle will feature McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet and Bear Bachmeier.

According to Athlon Sports, Retzlaff’s agent has been shopping him to new schools since the lawsuit surfaced, but Utah declined to pursue him due to concerns about his legal situation. Stanford and Colorado State are seen as realistic landing spots where Retzlaff could still compete for playing time.

Also Read: Jake Retzlaff lawsuit update: All we know about BYU QB's latest response to court filings over sexual allegations

If no team signs him, Retzlaff risks losing NIL income in his final season and could begin preparing early for the 2026 NFL draft.

About the author

Mohammad Asif Ansari is a journalist covering college football and basketball at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Technology and brings four years of experience as an NFL and EdTech writer.

While acknowledging the dominance of professional leagues like the NBA and NFL, Asif is drawn to the raw energy and unpredictability of college sports, particularly football and basketball.

Jalen Hurts stands out as Asif's all-time favorite college player, celebrated for his remarkable success on the football field and impressive leadership skills.

In his reporting, Asif seeks to capture the essence of college athletics, delving into the human stories behind the game. From the trials and triumphs of student-athletes to the strategic genius of coaches like Nick Saban, he strives to paint a vivid picture of the college sports landscape.

Asif ensures that his reporting is both informative and ethically sound, meticulously verifying sources and facts to provide readers with reliable and trustworthy content.

When not writing, Asif practices basic MMA, hones his biking skills and expands his language proficiency in Urdu and Arabic.

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Edited by Veer Badani