BYU QB Jake Retzlaff is Leaving, What's Next for the Cougars?

29 June 2025 --- Provo, UT

BYU Athletics

** Sensitive content for some readers

BYU starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff intends to leave the program after being hit with a seven game suspension from the program for violating the school's honor code.

Retzlaff was named in a lawsuit stemming from an alleged incident in November of 2023, accusing him of rape, assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Allegedly, Retzlaff strangled and bit the woman as well.

The 22 year old quarterback's lawyer has denied all allegations, saying "Mr. Retzlaff specifically and categorically denies each and every and all allegations that he bit, raped or strangled (the woman), which are ridiculous and bizarre allegations, all of which are false and untrue."

Retzlaff started his first season for the Cougars in 2024 after utilizing his redshirt in 2023. He spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons in the JUCO ranks. He was very successful in his lone season starting, leading them to an 11-2 overall record, including a bowl win over Colorado.

Before diving into the football related implications: I want to be clear that this article in no way is attempting to overshadow, diminish, detract, disrespect, or make light of the very, very serious, real-life situation the annonymous victim is involved in. My thoughts are with those affected and again, this is not meant to detract from the very serious situation.

At the time of writing, no formal charges have been made against Retzlaff, and thus are allegations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What does BYU do now?

Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images

The BYU Cougars are led by one of the nation's most underrated coaches in the nation, Kalani Sitake, who has been at BYU since 2016. In his time, they have gone an impressive 72-43. Last season was their best since their outstanding 11-1 COVID season, where Sitake navigated them through difficult scheduling and last minute game cancellations. He has truly created a tangible, visible identity at BYU, and the program will be fine going forward, but maybe not in the short term.

The Cougars just landed a verbal commitment from five star QB Ryder Lyons, in the class of 2026, though he won't enroll until 2027, in order to serve his LDS mission. BYU also signed the nation's best basketball player and future NBA first rounder AJ Dybantsa, a sign of growth and financial excellence within the athletic body as a whole.

Let's take a look at what BYU's options are at QB...

McCae Hillstead - Redshirt Sophomore

One answer is McCae Hillstead, who is entering his second year with the program after transferring in from Utah State. As a true freshman with the Aggies, he threw for over 1000 yards on 158 attempts, with a shaky 11:8 TD:INT ratio. He has some starting experience, and is listed as the QB2 on their depth chart currently.

Bear Bachmeier - Freshman - Stanford Transfer

This is the most likely option... though he is just a freshman. Bachmeier was a four-star recruit according to ON3 and Rivals, and was ranked just outside the top ten nationally at QB. He originally committed and signed to play at Stanford, but after spring ball, and the mass exodus at Stanford, Bear and his brother Tiger both elected to enter the portal and head to BYU.

This could be a situation where Hillstead gets the nod to start the season, and Bachmeier ends up taking the reins at about the midway point, depending on how it is going of course.

Treyson Bourget - Redshirt Junior

Bourget is currently listed as the third QB on the BYU depth chart, though it does not currently include Bachmeier, so in reality, he was likely QB4 when Retzlaff was still on the team.

He started ten games for Western Michigan from 2022-23, and has some decent tools, but likely not enough to really move the needle for Sitake and his staff.

Why Might BYU be Fine in the Short Term?

BYU has been recruiting like a PROGRUM, not only with incoming five-star QB Ryder Lyons, but they have maintained a solid stream of recruits coming in, that they constantly get a lot out of. They will be fine in the long term as long as Kilani Sitake wants to be their head coach, which is likely as long as BYU wants him.

In the short term, the Cougars can lean on their ground attack, led by junior RB LJ Martin. He rushed for over 500 yards as a true freshman, and over 700 in 2024. The offensive line should be solid, and Martin will see a big-time bump in carries, regardless of who is throwing the ball.

Sione Moa will be behind him on the depth chart, but provides a solid option out of the backfield, a three-star recruit coming out of high school.

Whoever ends up as the signal caller for the Cougars this year, they will have a very good target to throw to in veteran WR Chase Roberts, an all-Big 12 selection in 2024, with nearly 1000 receiving yards.

BYU was considered one of the favorites in the wild-west that is the Big 12. This incident and Retzlaff leaving the program certainly throws a wrench in that. If they can lean on the run game toward offensive success, and whoever plays quarterback can protect the football and make plays when needed, it may not be all bad for BYU, and they could be right back into contention.