Heartfelt Message: BYU Coach Kalani Sitake Addresses Status of Jake Retzlaff After Dismissed Civil Lawsuit
At Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake offered a heartfelt and respectful message regarding quarterback Jake Retzlaff, whose name was recently cleared in a civil sexual assault lawsuit that has since been dismissed. Sitake began his remarks by expressing care and appreciation for Retzlaff, stating, “I love Jake Retzlaff. We love Jake Retzlaff and appreciate all that he’s done for our program.”
The civil lawsuit, originally filed in May 2024, accused Retzlaff of sexual assault following an alleged incident in November 2023. The suit was dismissed on June 30, 2025, after a joint motion by both parties. While the dismissal does not include an admission of guilt or innocence, Retzlaff’s legal team maintained throughout the process that the interaction was consensual. The quarterback also acknowledged to university officials that the encounter involved premarital sex—a violation of BYU’s Honor Code.
Although Retzlaff has not been charged criminally, his Honor Code admission has significant implications for his standing with the university. He is reportedly facing a seven-game suspension from the football program as a result. Coach Sitake, when asked about Retzlaff’s current status on the roster, declined to provide specifics, saying it was not his place to speak on behalf of the player. “I think it’s a private matter,” he said. “I think Jake has the right to speak for himself when the time is right.”
Multiple reports indicate that Retzlaff may be planning to transfer from BYU rather than serve the suspension. Sources close to the situation have stated that he has informed coaches and teammates of his intentions, though he has yet to make a public statement. Since Retzlaff is a graduate transfer, he is eligible to enter the NCAA transfer portal outside of the regular window, though the timing of any official move remains unclear.
In the meantime, Sitake confirmed that BYU’s quarterback competition remains open heading into the 2025 season. With Retzlaff likely departing, players like Treyson Bourguet, Bear Bachmeier, and McCae Hillstead are expected to compete for the starting role.
Coach Sitake ended his remarks with a tone of support and unity, emphasizing that while the program is moving forward, it continues to care deeply for its players—past, present, and future.
