Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is weighing his options for the 2025 college football season, facing a pivotal decision between pursuing a starting role at a Group of Five program or serving as a depth addition for a Power Four contender.
Retzlaff announced last week he was withdrawing from BYU, a move that allows him to bypass the transfer portal and find a new team immediately. With fall camps just weeks away, his window for securing a spot is closing. His departure stems from an honor code violation that was set to result in a suspension.
Projected to be BYU’s returning starter, the former three-star recruit was a significant contributor to the Cougars’ offense last season in the competitive Big 12.
Analysts are divided on his likely path. Andrew Ivins, 247Sports’ director of scouting, suggested Retzlaff could be a valuable asset for a top-tier team. “If I’m a College Football Playoff hopeful, I think Retzlaff is an attractive No. 2,” Ivins said. “He’s kind of like the insurance policy.”
However, CBS Sports national reporter Matt Zenitz believes Retzlaff is prioritizing an immediate starting opportunity. “If he was fine with [being a backup], then (he) could have just stayed put at BYU, sat out the first seven games, and then stepped in as a Power Four starting quarterback,” Zenitz stated. “Clearly, this is someone who wants to go somewhere, wants to start immediately.”
Zenitz pointed out that numerous Group of Five programs lost their starting quarterbacks this offseason—including New Mexico, Liberty, Appalachian State, Tulane, and South Alabama—creating potential vacancies.
Should Retzlaff consider a backup role, Ivins mentioned Florida State as a potential fit. The Seminoles are installing a new offensive system, and Retzlaff’s dual-threat ability, highlighted by his 417 rushing yards last season, could provide valuable insurance and versatility at the position.
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