Report: Jake Retzlaff anticipates multi-game suspension for sexual assault claim, expects to leave BYU

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, an experienced starter, could be on the move shortly before the start of the 2025 football season. That news comes courtesy of a report from The Salt Lake Tribune.

Retzlaff is anticipating a seven-game suspension for violating the school’s honor code, the Tribune reported. Retzlaff was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in November 2023 in a civil lawsuit.

The quarterback has denied the allegations through his attorney, per the Tribune, and noted in a legal filing on Friday that he had “consensual” sex with the accuser. BYU’s honor code sets strict guidelines for its students, including the prohibition of premarital sex.

In any case, it’s a hefty suspension for the quarterback who became one of the stars for the Cougars during the 2024 campaign. Rather than serve that suspension, Jake Retzlaff could opt to look elsewhere for a chance to start.

Citing one source, the Tribune reported that Retzlaff “is likely to leave the program.” ESPN’s Pete Thamel followed up on that report, noting Retzaff “plans to transfer” and has begun informing staff and players of his plan to leave. Retzlaff has already graduated, so he will be able to enter the transfer portal without issue.

Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago, while throwing 12 interceptions. He also ran for 417 yards and six scores.

Reports of the civil lawsuit against Jake Retzlaff emerged in late May. The woman, identified in legal documents as “Jane Doe A.G.,” alleges Retzlaff assaulted her in November 2023 inside his home after they’d connected over social media and had been messaging for a month, per the Tribune.

She is suing Retzlaff in civil court for alleged assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and is asking the court for punitive damages from him, the Tribune reported. Retzlaff has not been charged criminally.

Though the alleged victim revealed she originally met with police after having a rape kit exam done at a hospital days after the alleged assault, she initially withheld Retzlaff’s name, per the Tribune. According to her lawsuit, the woman admits she eventually identified Retzlaff to Provo police after an officer asked her because “someone else filed a complaint against a football player and police wanted to see if it was the same person,” the Tribune reports.

The lawsuit also alleges that Provo officer encouraged her not to pursue any further criminal charges, reportedly telling her “sexual assault victims never get justice,” per the Tribune. Retzlaff and his family declined comment when contacted by The Salt Lake Tribune, while both BYU and Provo police did not respond to multiple requests for comment, the paper reports.

On3’s Alex Byington also contributed to this report.