Kalani Sitake addresses Jake Retzlaff situation, departure from BYU

For the first time since news broke Jake Retzlaff’s departure from BYU, Cougars coach Kalani Sitake addressed the situation. He deferred to Retzlaff for further comment, but expressed his gratitude for what the quarterback did for the program during his time in Provo.

Retzlaff is anticipating a suspension for breaking BYU’s honor code and is expected to enter the transfer portal. He was not yet in the portal as of Monday night, according to On3’s Pete Nakos, who had more details on what could be next.

Sitake declined to comment specifically on Retzlaff’s current situation. However, he pointed out the impact he had on BYU.

“We love Jake and appreciate everything he’s done for us, but I’ll let him make statements about his situation,” Sitake said ahead of Big 12 Media Days, via ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

As for the state of the Cougars program, Sitake said he’s excited about the three quarterbacks who will now battle for the starting job. McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet and Bear Bachmeier are all going to be in the mix.

“The program is fine,” Sitake said. “No matter the situation. It’s not about one coach. It’s not about one player, either. We feel good about our program.”

Retzlaff was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in November 2023, according to a lawsuit filed last month. The woman alleged Retzlaff assaulted her in inside his home after they’d connected over social media and had been messaging for a month, per the Salt Lake Tribune. She withdrew the civil case last month.

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

Jake Retzlaff put together an impressive season at BYU last year, throwing for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns to help lead the Cougars to an 11-2 record. He also made an impact on the running game, totaling 417 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Retzlaff graduated from BYU, meaning he would enter the transfer portal as a grad transfer once he officially enters the portal. He started his college career at the junior college level, playing at Golden West (Calif.) in 2021 and Riverside (Calif.) in 2022 before arriving in Provo.