Quarterback Jake Retzlaff is taking an unusual route after deciding to withdraw from BYU to avoid a seven-game suspension tied to a violation of the university’s honor code, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reports. Instead of entering the traditional NCAA transfer portal, Retzlaff simply plans to enroll elsewhere, join a new team and bypass typical transfer restrictions.
But how did things get to this point? And how can he still join a new team less than two months before the 2025 season, avoid suspension and attract interest from major programs — all without entering the portal? Let’s break it down.
Navigating NCAA rules without the transfer portal
Retzlaff’s path is uncommon but within NCAA guidelines. By officially withdrawing from BYU and enrolling at another school, he avoids the transfer portal and its rules. NCAA regulations do not require players to enter the portal to maintain eligibility at a new institution. This mirrors recent examples like Xavier Lucas, who transferred from Wisconsin to Miami without using the portal.
The honor code violation behind Retzlaff’s suspension
Retzlaff’s situation at BYU became uncertain after an unidentified woman accused him of battery, assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in a civil lawsuit, filed in May, stemming from an alleged incident in November 2023 in Provo, Utah. The case was dismissed in late June following a joint motion by both parties. However, Retzlaff still faced the suspension from BYU for violating the school’s honor code, which prohibits premarital sex — a violation he acknowledged amid the allegations, per ESPN.
Retzlaff denied the allegations, however, insisting the encounter was consensual and noting that communication with the woman continued through…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/how-can-jake-retzlaff-bypass-the-transfer-portal-ex-byu-qb-takes-unconventional-route-by-withdrawing/
Author : Cody Nagel
Publish date : 2025-07-11 22:27:00
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