Jake Retzlaff, the starting quarterback for Brigham Young University in 2024 and one of the few Jewish athletes in major college football, is expected to transfer schools following the dismissal of a civil lawsuit that had accused him of rape.
The case, filed in May by a woman identified as Jane Doe A.G., was officially dismissed with prejudice on Monday, ending a legal process that had drawn national attention in the US.
The suit alleged that Retzlaff raped, strangled, and bit the woman during an encounter in his apartment in Provo, Utah, in November 2023. Retzlaff, through his attorney, denied all allegations and stated that the two engaged in consensual sex.
A lawyer called the allegations “ridiculous” and “bizarre” in a court filing that described the incident as consensual sex. “Mr. Retzlaff specifically and categorically denies each and every and all allegations that he bit, raped or strangled (the woman), which are ridiculous and bizarre allegations, all of which are false and untrue,” the filing with the Third Judicial District Court read in part.
The response to the lawsuit also claimed that the two continued exchanging text messages for months after the alleged incident and described the civil action as an extortion attempt timed to coincide with Retzlaff’s rise as a potential NFL prospect.
Violating the university's honor code
Despite the legal resolution, Retzlaff now faces a separate issue at BYU. During the legal proceedings, he admitted to engaging in premarital sex, which violates the university’s honor code.
As a result, multiple reports, including from ESPN and the Salt Lake Tribune, have indicated that Retzlaff is facing a seven-game suspension. Sources also reported that he has begun informing teammates and coaches of his intent to transfer, and he is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal soon.
Retzlaff transferred to BYU in 2023 from Riverside City College in California. After starting the final four games of the 2023 season, he won the starting quarterback job in 2024 and led the Cougars to an 11-2 record, including a win in the Alamo Bowl over Colorado. He threw for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in his first full year as a starter.
His situation draws comparisons to other BYU athletes who have faced suspensions for honor code violations. In 2011, basketball player Brandon Davies was dismissed from a nationally ranked team for admitting to premarital sex. In 1999, running back Reno Mahe was suspended and transferred out of the school before returning later.
Retzlaff’s time at BYU also stood out because of his background. He is Jewish, and his decision to play at a university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints placed him in a unique cultural setting. During his time at the school, he embraced his identity publicly, becoming a spokesperson for the kosher food brand Manischewitz in 2024. He participated in a national campaign that highlighted his Jewish upbringing and traditions alongside his football career.
With his legal case dismissed and a potential suspension looming, Retzlaff is now looking to continue his career elsewhere. A redshirt senior at 22 years old, he is eligible to play immediately at another school. His next move will be closely watched, both for its implications on the field and because of his visibility as a Jewish athlete in Division I football.