BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff Expecting Multigame Suspension After Violating The School’s Honor Code

by James Van WicklerJuly 1, 2025, 12:42 amNews >

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is anticipating a seven-game suspension for violating the school’s Honor Code, multiple sources told The Salt Lake Tribune.

Facing the prospect of missing more than half the 2025 season, Retzlaff has begun telling his coaches and teammates he is likely to leave the program.

The BYU staff has been ramping up the preparation of the three backup quarterbacks — McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and Bear Bachmeier — in anticipation that Retzlaff might not be available.

In a civil lawsuit filed in May, Retzlaff was accused of sexually assaulting a woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe A.G., at his Provo home in November 2023.

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Through his attorney, Retzlaff immediately denied the sexual assault allegations. In his legal response filed Friday, he said that he had “consensual” sex with the woman who has accused him of assaulting her.

After the lawsuit was filed, BYU issued a statement, saying: “The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment.”

Retzlaff has asked for the case to be dismissed. But the filing in Utah’s 3rd District Court would inevitably be considered by officials at BYU. The school is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enforces an Honor Code that sets guidelines for employees and students to follow.

Among other things, the code prohibits premarital sex and instructs students to “live a chaste and virtuous life.”

Retzlaff, who graduated from BYU, is expected to enter his name in the transfer portal in the coming days. He started 13 games for the Cougars in 2024, his first year as the starter, leading the team to an 11-2 record. he passed for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.