Suspended BYU QB Retzlaff Joins Tulane as Walk-On for 2025 Season

Just six weeks before the start of the 2025 college football season, former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has found a new home at Tulane. Retzlaff, who left BYU 10 days ago rather than sit through a planned seven-game suspension for a violation of the school's honor code, has committed to joining the Green Wave as a walk-on.

The move comes after a tumultuous few months for Retzlaff. In May 2023, he was accused in a lawsuit of raping a woman, an allegation he denied. The lawsuit was dismissed on June 30, 2023, with the parties jointly agreeing to dismiss with prejudice. Despite the severity of the previous allegations, Tulane spent more than a week reviewing Retzlaff's background and had the school's Title IX office approve the transfer before allowing him to join the team.

On the field, Retzlaff had a strong 2024 season at BYU, throwing for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while also rushing for 417 yards and 6 touchdowns. He helped lead the Cougars to an 11-2 record and a No. 14 ranking in the final US LBM Coaches Poll. At Tulane, Retzlaff will compete for the starting quarterback job vacated by Darian Mensah, who transferred to Duke. The Green Wave are expected to be one of the best teams outside the power conference level this season, putting them in contention for a designated spot in the College Football Playoff.