Sports fans love a good outlier. We live for the stories that don't fit the cookie-cutter mold of a five-star recruit from a Texas powerhouse. That’s probably why everyone became so obsessed with BYU QB Jake Retzlaff.
Think about it. A Jewish quarterback leading the flagship university of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? It sounds like the setup for a movie, or maybe a very specific trivia question. But for a while there in 2024, it was just the reality in Provo. Retzlaff wasn't just a novelty act; he was a gunslinger who helped drag the Cougars into the national conversation when nobody expected them to be there.
Then, things got complicated.
Honestly, the way his time at BYU ended still feels a bit surreal to the people who follow Big 12 football closely. One minute he's the face of a 10-win team, and the next, he's packing his bags for New Orleans. If you’ve been trying to keep track of the stats, the lawsuits, the Honor Code drama, and where he is now, you’re not alone. It was a whirlwind.
The Rise of the "BYJew"
Before he was a household name in Utah, Jake Retzlaff was lighting up the scoreboard at Riverside City College. He was the number one junior college quarterback in the country for a reason. The guy has a "flick-of-the-wrist" release that coaches drool over.
When he arrived at BYU, he was stepping into a culture that was almost entirely different from his upbringing in Southern California. He’s Reform Jewish. He wears a Star of David. He’s the son of Steve Retzlaff, a longtime coach who taught him the game from the ground up.
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At BYU, where roughly 98% of the student body belongs to the LDS faith, Retzlaff became a bridge. He was affectionately dubbed the "BYJew" by fans. He didn't just tolerate the religious environment; he leaned into it. He talked openly about how the faith-centered atmosphere in Provo actually made him feel more comfortable practicing his own religion.
The 2024 season was his peak.
BYU was picked to finish 13th in the Big 12. Instead, they went 11-2. Retzlaff was the engine. He threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns. He ran for over 400 yards and another six scores. He had this habit of making these wild, "how did he do that?" throws—like the 35-yard touchdown to Darius Lassiter to beat Oklahoma State in the final seconds. He was a gambler. Sometimes it cost him (12 interceptions), but more often than not, his guts were why the Cougars kept winning.
The Lawsuit and the Honor Code Exit
Everything changed in May 2025.
Retzlaff was named in a civil sexual assault lawsuit. It was a massive story that threatened to derail his entire career. He denied the allegations immediately, filing a 14-page response that included text messages to support his defense that the encounter was consensual.
By June, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice. Legally, he was in the clear. But at BYU, the legal system isn't the only hurdle.
The university’s Honor Code requires students to abstain from sexual relations outside of marriage. By defending himself against the lawsuit with a "it was consensual" defense, Retzlaff effectively admitted to a violation of that code. The school reportedly planned a seven-game suspension for him.
For a senior quarterback with NFL aspirations, sitting out more than half a season wasn't an option.
In July 2025, Retzlaff made the call. He withdrew from BYU. Because he withdrew rather than using the standard transfer portal during a closed window, he had to navigate a bit of a loophole to find a new home. He eventually landed at Tulane.
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It was a quiet end to a loud career in Provo. Kalani Sitake, the BYU head coach, was visibly emotional when discussing the roster changes. He’s a "players' coach" through and through, and losing a captain like Retzlaff under those circumstances clearly hurt.
Life After Provo: The Tulane Chapter
If people thought Retzlaff would fade away in the American Athletic Conference, they were wrong.
He moved to New Orleans, a city that is basically the polar opposite of Provo. He traded the Wasatch Mountains for the Bayou. And he kept winning.
At Tulane, he took over an offense that needed his specific brand of "organized chaos." In the 2025 season, he actually improved his efficiency. He threw for 3,168 yards and 15 touchdowns, but the real story was his legs. He set a school record for quarterbacks with 16 rushing touchdowns.
People started calling him "The Bayou Jew."
He even led Tulane to a 10-2 record and a massive win over Army where he threw two touchdowns in the final two minutes. The guy just has a "clutch" gene that transcends whatever jersey he’s wearing. He’s also stayed connected to his roots, visiting Israel over the summer of 2025 with a group called "Athletes for Israel," a trip he described as the most important week of his life.
Analyzing the NFL Draft Stock
So, what’s next? As of early 2026, the NFL draft talk is heating up.
Retzlaff is a polarizing prospect. On one hand, you have scouts who love his arm talent. He can throw from different slots, a skill he likely picked up from his days playing shortstop. On the other hand, the "gunslinger" tag comes with baggage. He still takes too many risks.
Here is the breakdown of what NFL scouts are actually saying:
- The Frame: At 6'1" and about 205 pounds, he’s not a "statue" quarterback. He has an adequate NFL build, though some wish he were an inch or two taller.
- The Arm: His velocity on intermediate throws is elite. He can zip a ball into a tight window between zone defenders.
- The Mobility: This is his "X-factor." He isn't just a scrambler; he’s an effective short-yardage runner who knows how to manipulate defenders with his eyes.
- The Footwork: This is the big concern. He has a tendency to fade off his back foot or have an "open" stance, which leads to accuracy issues.
Currently, he’s projected as a late-round flyer or a high-priority undrafted free agent. His age (he'll be an older rookie) and the baggage from the BYU exit are things teams will vet thoroughly. But you can't teach the kind of poise he showed at both BYU and Tulane.
What to Watch For Next
Jake Retzlaff’s journey is a reminder that college football is rarely a straight line. He went from JUCO to being the first Jewish QB at a Mormon school, to a legal battle, to a comeback in New Orleans.
If you're following his path, keep an eye on the 2026 NFL Combine and Tulane’s pro day. His interviews will be just as important as his 40-yard dash. Teams will want to hear his perspective on the BYU departure and see how he’s grown.
For BYU fans, the "what if" will always remain. If he had stayed and served the suspension, would the Cougars have been even better in late 2025? We’ll never know. Bear Bachmeier stepped in and did a solid job as a freshman, but he didn't quite have that Retzlaff "magic."
Actionable Insights for Following Jake Retzlaff:
- Track the Pro Day Metrics: Look specifically at his "short shuttle" and "three-cone" times; his agility is what makes him a dual-threat.
- Watch the 2028 Olympics: Seriously. His father mentioned that Jake and his brother Reggie have been invited to play flag football for the Israeli Olympic team in Los Angeles.
- Monitor Tulane’s Alumni News: Retzlaff has become a major figure in the New Orleans Jewish community, often appearing at Hillel events. His impact there might outlast his stats.
The story of the BYU QB Jake Retzlaff is ultimately one of resilience. He’s a guy who didn't let a "tumultuous" few months define his entire life. Whether he’s taking snaps on Sundays or leading a team in the Olympics, he’s proven he can handle the spotlight—no matter how strange it gets.