Ex-BYU QB Jake Retzlaff Turns Heads With Announcement of New School originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Tulane’s addition of quarterback Jake Retzlaff may be a head-scratcher for some, but it’s the simplest moves for both parties.
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After a crazy quarterback carousel that saw Darian Mensah flip to Duke and TJ Finley leave the team following legal issues, the Green Wave were in urgent need of a solution. With few quality options available, Tulane landed the best quarterback left on the market. Even if that meant more complications on the horizon.
Retzlaff brings both high-end talent and significant baggage. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards and added 417 rushing yards with six scores last season at BYU, helping the Cougars contend deep into their second year in the Big 12. His dual-threat ability and knack for making clutch plays stood out the most. It make him an instant game-changer.
Retzlaff has the potential to elevate Tulane’s offense and make them a real contender in a wide-open American Athletic Conference title, and now a possible dark horse in the expanded College Football Playoff.
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However, the move isn’t without risk. Retzlaff faced a seven-game suspension from his time at BYU due to an alleged Honor Code violation tied to a civil lawsuit, which has since been dismissed. His attorney has strongly denied all allegations, but the legal cloud and NCAA implications remain.
The timing of his exit from BYU, just hours short of graduation, meant he couldn’t enter the standard transfer portal. Tulane will bring him in as a walk-on, with no scholarship initially available, and he’ll arrive on campus late—missing both spring camp and summer workouts.
Retzlaff will enter fall camp cold, but also the projected starter. He’ll be competing with limited time to learn the offense or build chemistry with teammates.
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Related: Ryder Lyons Reacts to BYU’s Latest Commitment With Three-Word Response
Tulane’s offensive core from last season is gone, including top rusher Makhi Hughes and its three leading receivers. Coach Jon Sumrall, known for his defensive mindset, now faces the challenge of retooling the offense around a late-arriving quarterback who hasn’t taken a snap with the team.
But the gamble could pay off for Tulane. Retzlaff offers a high ceiling, and needed a swing-for-the-fences move. The Green Wave could ride his abilities to a better position.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
