BYU’s Sitake Confirms QB Retzlaff Suspended Under Honor Code, Transfer Likely

Brigham Young University football coach Kalani Sitake used his opening appearance at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, to address the uncertain future of starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff. Sitake confirmed that Retzlaff is facing a seven-game suspension for violating BYU’s Honor Code and will decide his next steps, adding only, “We love Jake and appreciate everything he’s done for our program.” Retzlaff, a redshirt senior who guided the Cougars to an 11-2 record last season and served as a co-captain, is expected to transfer rather than sit out the suspension. A civil sexual-assault lawsuit filed against him in May was dismissed last month, but he acknowledged consensual premarital sex—an Honor Code violation at the church-owned university. Sitake defended the code, noting that “every school has their standards,” and said any public explanation should come from the player. Las Vegas oddsmakers have lowered BYU’s projected 2025 win total to 6.5 from 7.5 following the quarterback’s likely exit. With preseason camp opening in a few weeks, Sitake said the quarterback competition is open among McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet and Stanford transfer Bear Bachmeier. “If you’re going to play at BYU you have to be able to throw the ball,” he said, adding that his task is to rebuild the offense and “make sure we are playing at our best.”