Jake Retzlaff enters NCAA transfer portal amid lawsuit fallout and BYU suspension

Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal following a tumultuous offseason that included a civil sexual assault lawsuit and a looming suspension from BYU’s honor code office, according to sportscasting.com.

Despite the controversy, the experienced signal-caller is reportedly drawing interest from several high-profile programs, with Tennessee emerging as the leading contender. Alabama, Nebraska, Stanford, and Notre Dame are also reportedly in the mix.

Retzlaff was named in a civil lawsuit in June 2025, accused of sexual assault, strangulation, and biting stemming from an alleged November 2023 incident. He denied the allegations, asserting the encounter was consensual. However, he did admit to engaging in premarital sex - a violation of BYU’s strict honor code - prompting a planned 7-game suspension from the university.


With the lawsuit dismissed with prejudice on June 30, making it legally closed and unable to be refiled, Retzlaff has opted for a fresh start. As a graduate, he’s free to transfer at any time and is actively exploring options ahead of the upcoming college football season.

Retzlaff started all 13 games for the Cougars in 2024, his first season as the full-time starter. He led BYU to an impressive 11–2 record, throwing for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

According to sportscasting.com, Tennessee is considered the leading contender to land Retzlaff following his entry into the transfer portal. The Volunteers face uncertainty at quarterback after Nico Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA, leaving the position up for grabs. Joey Aguilar is expected to be in the mix, but Retzlaff’s extensive starting experience gives him a clear edge.

BYU, operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enforces a strict eight-point honor code that governs student conduct. Among its core principles is a mandate to 'live a chaste and virtuous life', which includes abstaining from any sexual activity outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Violations of the honor code can result in disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal.

Meanwhile, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake declined to comment on Retzlaff’s status Tuesday, following reports that the quarterback is transferring after being named in a civil sexual assault lawsuit that has since been dismissed.

"I think it'll be inappropriate for me to make a statement on his situation first," Sitake said at Big 12 football media days. "I think that’s his right. I think it’s a private matter that he can speak for himself, and I’m going to give him the opportunity to do that."