What started as a promising journey for quarterback Jake Retzlaff at BYU has now come to a sudden and emotional end.
Once hailed for both his athletic ability and his unique presence as the school’s first Jewish quarterback, Retzlaff announced he’s officially leaving Brigham Young University amid personal controversy and looming disciplinary action.
Retzlaff Shares His Decision to Leave on Social Media
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the junior quarterback told fans that, after a lot of reflection and private conversations, he’s made the decision to withdraw from both BYU and its football program.
“BYU has meant more to me than just football,” he wrote, emphasizing how much he’d grown mentally, spiritually, and physically during his time in Provo.
Despite the difficult circumstances, he expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans — calling the experience unforgettable.
And while he didn’t dive into the details of his exit, Retzlaff made it clear he’s not done chasing his goals.
“The journey’s far from over,” he added, hinting that a fresh start is ahead.
Behind the Exit: Legal Issues and BYU’s Honor Code
Retzlaff’s departure comes not just as a personal choice, but as fallout from a complex situation involving a sexual assault lawsuit and BYU’s famously strict honor code.
Though the lawsuit has since been dismissed, the details came with consequences.
During court proceedings, Retzlaff acknowledged that he had engaged in pre-marital sex — a direct violation of BYU’s code of conduct.
That alone was set to earn him a seven-game suspension, including key matchups against Stanford, Colorado, Arizona, West Virginia, and rival Utah.
BYU’s Code Leaves Little Room for Grey Areas
Owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, BYU requires all students to follow a firm honor code that bans premarital sex, substance use (including coffee and tea), and even mandates church service for Mormon students.
It’s this environment that made Retzlaff’s case particularly complicated.
Despite denying the specific assault allegations — including accusations of rape and physical violence — Retzlaff’s court admission regarding consensual sex was enough to trigger disciplinary action from the university.
A Lawsuit Settled, But Questions Remain
The civil case, brought by a woman identified only as Jane Doe A.G., accused Retzlaff of biting, raping, and strangling her in November 2023.
She sought damages of more than $300,000.
Retzlaff denied those accusations, and by late June, the two sides reached a settlement.
A judge reportedly signed the dismissal order, although the specifics of the agreement remain confidential.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Plans and Football Future
Instead of entering the official NCAA transfer portal, Retzlaff is said to be taking a less conventional route — withdrawing from BYU entirely and seeking a fresh opportunity at another school.
Where he’ll land next remains to be seen, but it’s clear he still plans to continue his college football career elsewhere.
More Than Just a Player: Retzlaff’s Unique Role at BYU
Aside from his skills on the field, Retzlaff made waves at BYU for embracing his Jewish identity in a predominantly Mormon institution.
He even playfully adopted the nickname “BYJew,” blending his cultural roots with school pride.
He also inked a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with legendary kosher brand Manischewitz, becoming the face of a campaign that featured him autographing boxes of matzoh in a humorous ad.
Personal Life Still in the Spotlight
Off the field, Retzlaff has also drawn attention for his relationship with BYU softball player Jaelynn Lambert, another athlete from California.
The couple has shared snapshots of their time together on Instagram, adding another layer of public interest to his story.