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Big 12 media days took place earlier this week in Texas giving players and coaches a chance to speak on the upcoming season. BYU’s Kalani Sitake made headlines while discussing his team’s quarterback situation.
Last year’s starter, Jake Retzlaff, is expected to transfer following an offseason infraction. He, however, remains on the roster and continues to work out with the Cougars.
Retzlaff was accused of assault by a woman in Provo earlier this year. The allegation stemmed from a 2023 incident. The signal caller denied the claims but did admit to a consensual relationship.
By admitting that he’d had pre-marital sex, he violated his school’s honor code. Though the assault allegations were later dropped, BYU still planned to enforce a seven-game suspension.
Reports of the quarterback’s intention to transfer quickly surfaced. Hitting the portal would offer an opportunity to skirt the suspension given its implementation by BYU and not the NCAA.
Rumors of a “major college football” landing spot with a QB-needy team made headlines, insinuating that Jake Retzlaff had already known his transfer destination. To this point, however, there’s been silence on his future.
Will Jake Retzlaff return to BYU?
His head coach refused to rule out the possibility. Kalani Sitake was asked about Retzlaff at Big 12 media days. He refused to directly address the passer’s status with the team.
Kalani Sitake: “We love Jake Retzlaff, we appreciate all that he’s done for our program. I think it would be inappropriate for me to make a statement… I want to give him the opportunity to do that.” pic.twitter.com/xG9UQcbL4v
— Sam Foster (@Samfos1er) July 9, 2025
“We love Jake Retzlaff,” he said. “It would be inappropriate for me to make a statement on his behalf. I’m going to give him the opportunity to do that.”
Is that statement transfer related? What does Sitake know?
Teammates did little to quiet the noise. They, too, kept Retzlaff’s current status under wraps.
BYU running back LJ Martin (right) was asked by USA TODAY Sports Tuesday about the school’s honor code and the controversy involving quarterback Jake Retzlaff. Seated next to him is teammate Keanu Tanuvasa.
#Big12FB #Big12MediaDay #Big12Conference #BYU #BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/qn8pbg1F2t— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) July 8, 2025
There are some who believe returning to BYU is the best option, even if it means sitting out seven games. At this point in the offseason, most rosters are complete. There aren’t a ton of high-profile programs in need of a starting quarterback.
Rejoining the Cougars would also allow Jake Retzlaff to keep continuity with coaches, teammates, and the playbook. With this being his final college football season, that familiarity might prove the best option for his NFL future.
Retzlaff has not responded publicly on his status with BYU. Coaches and teammates suggest his mind is already made up, though. The Cougars hope he’ll return for one final season, even if it means they get him for just six games.