Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is officially in the transfer portal following a civil sexual assault lawsuit and a looming honor code suspension from BYU. The experienced signal-caller is already drawing interest from multiple high-profile programs. Tennessee is viewed as the top landing spot, with Alabama, Nebraska, Stanford, and Notre Dame also in the mix.
Why Did Jake Retzlaff Transfer From BYU?
BYU QB Jake Retzlaff is planning to transfer from the school, sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday.
He is facing a suspension after admitting to premarital sex, a violation of BYU's honor code that surfaced during his response to a civil lawsuit alleging he raped a woman in… pic.twitter.com/IyuXzG0Zhb
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) June 30, 2025
In late June 2025, Retzlaff was named in a civil lawsuit that accused him of sexual assault, strangulation, and biting during an alleged incident in November 2023. He denied the allegations, claimed the encounter was consensual, and admitted to having premarital sex, which is a violation of BYU’s honor code.
That admission triggered a planned 7-game suspension from BYU, which led Retzlaff to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice on June 30, meaning it cannot be refiled. With the case closed, Retzlaff is now pursuing a fresh start elsewhere.
As a graduate, Retzlaff is eligible to enter the transfer portal at any point, and he has taken that opportunity to seek a new team before the start of the new college football season.
Tennessee Favorites to Land Retzlaff
Tennessee is widely viewed as the front-runner to land Retzlaff. The Volunteers have an unsettled QB room after Nico Iamaleava transferred to UCLA. While Joey Aguilar is expected to compete, Retzlaff brings more starting experience and could win the job quickly in Josh Heupel’s high-tempo system.
- Iamaleava departure creates a true QB competition
- Heupel’s offense suits Retzlaff’s fast processing and RPO background
- Tennessee offers immediate SEC exposure and a chance to start Week 1
Maryland Leads Potential Big Ten Schools
Maryland brought in former top recruit former top recruit Justyn Martin from UCLA to compete for the starting job with four-star QB Malik Washington. Adding Retzlaff would immediately give the Terrapins a major boost under center while giving both players another chance to develop and learn new OC Pep Hamilton’s offensive system. Head coach Mike Locksley has come under fire during the offseason for tampering allegations but winning can solve a lot of his problems, especially in a hyper-competitive Big Ten Conference.
- Retzlaff would be an immediate upgrade over unproven QB options like Martin and Washington
- Chance to play under Pep Hamilton, longtime NFL assistant and QB coach
- Hamilton has had success with dual-threat QBs, including Justin Herbert & Andrew Luck
Alabama QB Battle Could Draw Retzlaff
Alabama is keeping tabs on Retzlaff as a potential late addition to their depth chart. Ty Simpson and Austin Mack are competing for the job, but neither has separated. Kalen DeBoer could add Retzlaff as a safety net or potential starter depending on fall camp results.
- Simpson struggled with consistency in spring
- Retzlaff has real-game experience in pro-style and tempo schemes
- Would add stability to a volatile position group
Nebraska: Good Chance to Start Immediately for Retzlaff
With Dylan Raiola still young and unproven, Nebraska is another strong option. Dana Holgorsen’s new system favors experienced QBs who can manage tempo and avoid turnovers. Retzlaff could realistically win the job or split time early with Raiola.
- Only competition is a true sophomore and transfer from Purdue
- Holgorsen favors dual-threat QBs with fast reads and decision-making
- Nebraska needs stability and Retzlaff offers it
Stanford: Returning Home to Compete in the ACC
Stanford is a logical fit geographically and structurally. With Frank Reich now leading the program, QB development is a focus. The Cardinal QB room is unsettled, and Retzlaff would be one of the most experienced players on the roster immediately.
- California native with ties to West Coast programs
- Frank Reich’s NFL background is attractive for QB development
- ACC move gives added exposure without SEC grind
Notre Dame in the Picture for Retzlaff
Notre Dame has quietly monitored Retzlaff’s availability. While they have young talent on the roster, none are proven at the FBS level. Marcus Freeman could view Retzlaff as a short-term bridge while younger players develop behind the scenes.
- Program with national brand and stability
- Could provide immediate leadership in a developmental year
- Scheme flexible enough for Retzlaff’s strengths
What’s Next for Jake Retzlaff?
Retzlaff is expected to choose his next program within days. While Tennessee leads the race, other top programs are still evaluating their QB rooms. The legal case dismissal clears the way for immediate enrollment and eligibility for the 2025 season.
He enters the fall with two years of eligibility and a real chance to start for a major Power Five team.
