Overview

• Jake Retzlaff officially withdrew from BYU on July 11 to avoid a seven-game Honor Code suspension for premarital sex after a civil lawsuit was dismissed.
• BYU Athletics granted his release and confirmed it will not block his move to another school, and ESPN reported he plans to enroll as a walk-on rather than enter the NCAA transfer portal.
• Retzlaff’s exit has opened a competition among McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet and Boise State transfer Bear Bachmeier for the starting quarterback job.
• Athletic director Brian Santiago and coach Kalani Sitake reaffirmed that the Honor Code remains central to BYU’s identity and a competitive advantage in recruiting.
• Senior wide receiver Chase Roberts emphasized a next-man-up mentality and team resilience as the Cougars adapt to uncertainty at quarterback.