FROM PROVO TO THE BIG EASY: Ex-BYU QB Jake Retzlaff Snags Starting Job at Tulane After Honor Code Scare
Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has found new life in New Orleans, earning the starting job at Tulane after a rocky stint in Provo that ended with him dodging a potential honor code violation.
Retzlaff, who transferred to BYU in 2022, came to Provo with high expectations. Known for his big arm and JUCO pedigree, he was expected to provide a spark for the Cougars’ offense as the program made the transition into the Big 12. But his tenure never fully took off. A handful of starts showcased flashes of his talent, yet inconsistency, injuries, and whispers of off-field concerns hung over his time at BYU.
The biggest challenge came in the form of BYU’s strict honor code, a unique requirement tied to the school’s religious affiliation. Reports surfaced that Retzlaff narrowly avoided a violation that could have ended his college football career in Provo altogether. While details remain private, it was clear his time with the Cougars had reached a breaking point.
Now, Retzlaff has flipped the narrative. After entering the transfer portal, he landed at Tulane, a program on the rise in the American Athletic Conference. In fall camp, he impressed coaches with his leadership, decision-making, and confidence. By the end of camp, head coach Jon Sumrall named him the Green Wave’s starter heading into the 2025 season.
For Retzlaff, the move represents more than a change of scenery — it’s a second chance. With Tulane chasing another conference crown, his arrival injects experience and urgency into an already competitive roster.
From the quiet mountains of Utah to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Jake Retzlaff’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Now, with a fresh start and the keys to Tulane’s offense, he has the opportunity to redefine his career on his own terms.
