Star Quarterback’s Shocking 7-Game Suspension Leaves College Football in Turmoil: What Really Happened?

Ever wonder what happens when the pressure cooker of college football meets the rigid halls of BYU’s honor code? Jake Retzlaff, the Cougars’ seasoned QB who lit up the field last season with nearly 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, now finds himself embroiled in a controversy that threatens to sideline him for seven games in 2025. It’s a saga that combines athletic prowess, personal missteps, and a strict moral code that applies—whether you’re a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not. As Retzlaff plans his exit from BYU amid allegations and honor code violations, the question emerges: can any athlete truly outrun the game off the field, especially in a stadium known as one of college football’s most intimidating? Meanwhile, BYU’s quarterback carousel spins, with newcomers eyeing the starting spot in a program navigating uncharted waters. Intrigued yet? LEARN MORE.

A veteran college football quarterback is facing a major 7-game suspension heading into the 2025 season.

BYU Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff is reportedly facing a possible 7-game suspension. The veteran quarterback is reportedly anticipating a major suspension due to a violation of the school’s honor code.

ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel reports that Retzlaff, who threw for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season, is expected to transfer.

“Sources: BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff plans to transfer from the school and has begun informing the staff and players of his plan to leave. He’d been facing an Honor Code suspension tied to a civil suit that alleges he raped a woman,” he reported.

Yahoo! Sports had more:

Retzlaff has denied the allegation that was made in a lawsuit filed in May. He contends that he had consensual sex with his accuser, which appears to the the reason that he’s facing a suspension from BYU, rather than the sexual assault allegation.

Per the SLT, engaging in consensual premarital sex is a violation of the honor code at BYU, which is run by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Students at BYU are subject to a strict honor code that prohibits premarital sex and instructs students to ”live a chaste and virtuous life.” Retzlaff is not Mormon, but the honor code rules apply to all BYU students.

The veteran college football quarterback transferred to BYU from Riverside City College in 2023. He was BYU’s starting quarterback in 2024. 

Retzlaff led BYU to an impressive 11-2 season in 2024, including an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.

McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet and Bear Bachmeier are now expected to compete for the starting job at BYU heading into the 2025 college football season.