Title: Retzlaff’s New Chapter: BYU QB Builds Head-Turning Start at Tulane Ahead of Season Opener
Jake Retzlaff’s BYU chapter closed with a suspension and a farewell, but the quarterback is already turning heads in his new home at Tulane. The former Cougar is expected to start for the Green Wave against Northwestern in the season opener on August 30, as he spends his final year of eligibility outside Provo.
Retzlaff left BYU after a seven-game suspension tied to a violation of the school’s honor code, choosing to pursue another opportunity rather than serve the remainder of his BYU tenure. He arrived in New Orleans with the mandate to show he could excel at Tulane, and early impressions have reinforced that belief. His former BYU colleagues and mentors noticed as well.
Chad Lewis, BYU’s Hall of Fame tight end and current senior associate athletic director over development, spoke candidly about Retzlaff after his transfer. He described Retzlaff’s decision to handle the situation with integrity and the way he spoke publicly about his time at BYU as “a sign of character.” Lewis emphasized that Retzlaff’s conduct didn’t go unnoticed by people in the football world, noting that a room full of NFL head coaches and executives would be watching his handling of the moment.
Lewis also connected Retzlaff’s experience to the way head coach Kalani Sitake has built and maintained a resilient program. He praised Sitake’s ability to foster a steady culture—what he called LaVell-like stability—and pointed to BYU’s calm, persistent approach as a model for other programs trying to cultivate a lasting competitive culture. The former Cougar star highlighted the staff and last year’s bowl performance as evidence of the program’s strength, even as Retzlaff charted a different course for 2024.
BYU capped the previous season with a strong showing in the Alamo Bowl, routing Colorado 36-14 to cap a 11-2 record and a No. 13 finish in the final AP poll. Lewis remarked on the team’s quiet confidence, a blend of toughness and humility that Sitake has consistently fostered. He described this as a unique balance—ready to compete fiercely while lifting teammates up after every play—and said the coach speaks the language of the players in a way that helps them thrive.
Tulane’s quarterback situation adds another twist to Retzlaff’s story. The Green Wave open the season with a matchup against Northwestern, and Tulane will also feature Bear Bachmeier, a freshman quarterback, taking snaps early in the process. Bachmeier is described as a big, strong, and fast quarterback (listed around 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds). While Retzlaff is expected to start against Northwestern, there is also openness about the path Tulane’s offense might take as the season begins, with Bachmeier likely contributing as well.
Retzlaff’s departure leaves BYU counting on stability and leadership from Sitake and his staff as they prepare for a new season. The coach’s approach has earned respect for its ability to blend accountability with opportunity, and the team enters 2024 with a quiet confidence that appeals to players and supporters alike.
What this means moving forward is a story of resilience and opportunity: Tulane gains a quarterback with experience who is eager to prove himself on a major stage, while BYU continues to rely on a proven culture and leadership to push the program forward. As both programs head into their early-season tests, Retzlaff’s journey at Tulane will be watched closely by fans and evaluators who value character, leadership, and on-field performance.
Summary: A high-profile transfer story unfolds as Jake Retzlaff moves from BYU to Tulane, facing a season-opening test against Northwestern. His conduct during departure and the culture built by Kalani Sitake are highlighted by observers, while Tulane balances Retzlaff’s expected start with the emergence of freshman Bear Bachmeier. The season promises a blend of leadership, resilience, and competition as both programs begin their campaigns.