Jake Retzlaff is withdrawing from Brigham Young University.
The Cougars quarterback, who faced what was likely a seven-game suspension for violating BYU’s honor code after engaging in pre-marital sex, announced his decision to withdraw from the university, which is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He issued a statement on Friday, July 11.
CBS Sports reported Retzlaff’s decision to withdraw from BYU was the result of the program not allowing him to enter the NCAA transfer portal. ESPN reported Retzlaff intends to transfer to another school to play football in a way that doesn’t include the portal.
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“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and conversations with those I trust, I’ve made the difficult decision to officially withdraw and step away from the BYU football program,” Retzlaff wrote in a statement posted to Instagram. “BYU has meant more to me than just football. It’s been a place of growth — spiritually, mentally and physically. I’m grateful for every teammate, coach, staff member and fan who’s supported me along the way. The relationships and memories I’ve made in Provo will always be a part of me.
“That said, I’m excited to turn the page and embrace the next chapter. My journey is far from over — and I’m more motivated than ever to keep chasing my goals.”
BYU later released a statement on Retzlaff’s withdrawal to ESPN:
“We are grateful for the time Jake Retzlaff has spent at BYU. As he moves forward, BYU Athletics understands and respects Jake’s decision to withdraw from BYU, and we wish him all the best as he enters the next phase of his career.”
Retzlaff, the first Jewish starting quarterback in program history, faced a civil lawsuit after being accused by a Salt Lake County woman of sexually assaulting and raping her in November 2023. The woman, who claimed Retzlaff “strangled and bit” her, sought $300,000 in damages.
Retzlaff and his lawyers denied the allegations, saying he had consensual sex with the woman. BYU has an honor code that states that students must “live a chaste and virtuous life,” which includes “abstaining from sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman.”
On June 30, ESPN reported the civil lawsuit against Retzlaff was dismissed after “the two sides agreed to dismiss the case without prejudice.” He did not face criminal charges, nor was he in attendance at Big 12 media days this past week in Frisco, Texas.
“First of all, I love Jake Retzlaff,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said at Big 12 media days on July 8. “We love Jake Retzlaff and appreciate all that he’s done for our program. I think it would be inappropriate for me to make a statement in his situation first. 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.”
Retzlaff threw for 2,947 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in his first season as BYU’s starting quarterback this past year, which included leading the Cougars to an 11-2 record, punctuated by an Alamo Bowl victory.
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If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jake Retzlaff withdraws from BYU amid facing likely suspension
