Jake Retzlaff

Jake Retzlaff's Biography

Jake Retzlaff has garnered prominence and recognition as an exceptional American football quarterback for the BYU Cougars, marking yet another milestone in his exciting sporting journey. From an early age, Retzlaff’s dedication to football was evident and continued to grow over the years, leading to an astounding collegiate career, beginning at Golden West College and including a stint with the Riverside Tigers.

Born and raised in Corona, California, Retzlaff honed his skills and athleticism at Centennial High School, where he displayed his talent as a quarterback. In his junior year alone, he impressively amassed 1,067 passing yards and scored eight touchdowns. His burgeoning career was momentarily halted during his senior year when the COVID-19 pandemic caused the suspension of many sporting activities. Despite this setback, Retzlaff remained steadfast and ready for the next chapter in his life.

Following high school, Retzlaff committed to play for Golden West College, beginning his bright and promising future in college football. As a true freshman in 2021, he astounded everyone with his performance on the gridiron, throwing for a towering 3,302 yards and 23 touchdowns. Seeking a new challenge and continued growth, he decided to transfer to Riverside City College at the season’s end, proving his adaptability and determination.

At Riverside, Retzlaff further showcased his quarterback qualities. In his season with the Tigers, he started 13 games, in which he demonstrated both consistency and showmanship. He threw for an astounding 4,596 yards and 44 touchdowns and broke the school record for most passing yards in a game — an impressive feat of 529 yards. Additionally, he also set the record for the most passing touchdowns in a single game, with a total of six touchdowns, permanently inscribing his name in the annals of the school’s football program.

As his success story continued to unfold, Retzlaff made another decision to advance his career. As the top-rated junior college quarterback in the United States, he announced in January 2023 that he would be transferring to Brigham Young University (BYU). His talents were quickly recognized at BYU, and he was named the second-string quarterback, playing behind Pittsburgh transfer Kedon Slovis at the start of the 2023 season.

However, despite starting as a second-string quarterback, Retzlaff’s first significant breakthrough came when he was named the starting quarterback against West Virginia following Slovis’ injury. In his first starting game, he threw 210 yards in a 37-7 loss, exhibiting resilience in the face of defeat. Following this, he once again held the position of starting quarterback. Facing off against Iowa State, Retzlaff proved his mettle by throwing his first career touchdown pass at the FBS level, even though barely losing in a 45-13 defeat.

Retzlaff concluded the season with a total of 648 passing yards and three touchdown passes. He demonstrated his versatility on the field with 116 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, accentuating his dexterity and adaptability as an athlete.

An additional strong facet of Retzlaff’s identity is his Jewish faith, which he openly acknowledges and cherishes. In 2023, he etched a noteworthy milestone as he became the inaugural Jewish quarterback to play at BYU, a predominantly Mormon-led institution. An embodiment of skill, determination, and faith, Jake Retzlaff continues to grace the football field with his quarterbacking talent.