Jake Retzlaff’s path to becoming the starting quarterback at BYU has been unconventional. The Los Angeles native attended two junior colleges in Southern California before transferring to BYU ahead of the 2023 season and getting his shot as an FBS starting quarterback when former Cougars starting signal caller Kedon Slovis went down with an injury against West Virginia.
Retzlaff wouldn’t look back after that initial appearance against WVU, starting the final three games last season before winning the starting job in fall camp over former Baylor and USF quarterback Gerry Bohanon, who missed the entirety of last season due to injury. By winning the starting job, Retzlaff became the only starting quarterback of Jewish faith in college football.
Before BYU’s win over Wyoming last week, Retzlaff sat down with CBS Sports Network to discuss his faith and playing at BYU — an institution founded, supported and guided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Me and my two brothers were really the only two Jewish athletes (in my town) growing up,” Retzlaff said. “I love to be able to be a beacon and just to inspire somebody. If it’s one, then it’s enough. … Everything is so faith-oriented. You would think everyone is doing their own thing, but it’s the opposite. Everyone is so embraceful of every faith on campus.”
Retzlaff was ranked the No. 2 overall JUCO quarterback by 247Sports and committed to BYU over interest from other programs such as New Mexico State, UTEP, and Hawaii. What drew Retzlaff to BYU, in his own words, was the success the staff had with recent signal callers Zach Wilson and Jaren Hall. Wilson was selected No. 2 by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft, while Hall was selected in the fifth round two years later.
“From the Big 12 move to the opportunity at the position,” Retzlaff said. “With Jaren (Hall) getting drafted, it looked good. The recent history of quarterbacks with Zach (Wilson) and Jaren both getting drafted, it looked like (the coaches) knew how to develop some quarterbacks.”
Through the first three games of the 2024 campaign, Retzlaff has completed 60.6% of his attempts for 841 yards and seven touchdowns. Retzlaff dazzled in the season-opener against Southern Illinois, throwing for a career-high 348 yards and three touchdowns and tossed for three more scores in his most recent outing against Wyoming.
And for the record, Retzlaff considers himself to be the best ping-pong player on the team.
Retzlaff and BYU face 3-0 Kansas State in a Big 12 opener for both programs on Saturday.
