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BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff wasn’t one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12. He ranked eighth in passing yards, 12th in completion percentage, seventh in passer rating and tied for last in the conference with 12 interceptions. However, his impact went beyond the box score for a Cougars team that finished 11-2 and was prepared to enter 2025 as a serious Big 12 contender.
Retzlaff was accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit that was dismissed on June 30. Still, he faces a potential lengthy suspension for violating the BYU honor code. Rather than sit through the punishment, many expect the Cougars quarterback to hit the transfer portal soon.
While Retzlaff’s name is not yet in the transfer portal, BYU coach Kalani Sitake’s comments at Big 12 Media Days Tuesday morning did little quell the speculation around his star quarterback.
“We love Jake and appreciate everything he’s done for us, but I’ll let him make statements about his situation,” he told ESPN.
If Retzlaff does indeed transfer, McCae Hillstead and Treyson Bourguet are the favorites to win the starting job. Class of 2025 prospects Bear Bachmeier and Nolan Keeney both joined the program over the summer as well. But while there are talented options in the room, the loss of Retzlaff dramatically shapes the Big 12 race.
The Cougars were one of a handful of teams to hover around 7- or 8-to-1 odds to win the Big 12. According to FanDuel, BYU now sits at 19-to-1 odds, behind Kansas and narrowly ahead of Cincinnati. Their win total also slipped from 7.5 to 6.5, signaling a team going from potential contention to fighting for bowl eligibility.
BYU was led by its defense during a breakout season, but much was asked of Retzlaff. The former junior college transfer was directly…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/with-byu-coach-mum-on-jake-retzlaff-transfer-heres-how-qbs-departure-would-transform-2025-big-12-title-race/
Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2025-07-08 15:20:00
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