Jake Retzlaff withdraws from BYU amid honor code scandal to join Tulane

In the United States, Jake Retzlaff, a former quarterback at Brigham Young University (BYU), has recently made headlines by transferring to Tulane University. After a civil lawsuit accusing him of rape was dismissed in June 2023, Retzlaff faced additional challenges. Although the lawsuit did not lead to any charges, he admitted to involvement in premarital sex, which violated BYU's strict honor code, resulting in a planned seven-game suspension from the BYU football team. Following his withdrawal from BYU on July 11, Retzlaff has now committed to Tulane as a walk-on player for the upcoming season. Retzlaff's decision was primarily driven by the urgent need to maintain eligibility for his final year of college football amidst the tumultuous circumstances at BYU. The move to Tulane allows Retzlaff to continue his football career while also providing a fresh start with a coaching staff willing to support his situation. Tulane reportedly conducted extensive background checks, including consultation with Title IX officials, to ensure compliance with regulations and to properly handle Retzlaff's transition. During his time at BYU, he had a breakout season in 2024, accumulating 2,947 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. He now joins a competitive quarterback scene at Tulane, where he will vie for the starting position against transfers from other universities. Retzlaff's unique journey captures the attention of college football fans and has created discussions regarding honor codes and their implications on student-athletes’ careers. In summary, Tulane University is poised to benefit from Retzlaff's talents, with the expectation that he will adapt quickly and potentially lead the team under head coach Jon Sumrall. While the challenges he faced at BYU were significant, this new opportunity may pave the way for Retzlaff's aspirations of advancing to the NFL. As the new football season approaches, the eyes of the college football community will be on Retzlaff as he seeks redemption and success in his last year of eligibility. Eventually, this situation has raised questions about the impact of honor codes on student-athletes' lives and how institutions navigate such personal controversies. Retzlaff's decision serves as a poignant example of the crossroads faced by many young athletes caught in the complexities of their responsibilities and aspirations.