Sat Dec 06 04:50:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tulane’s Retzlaff Leads Green Wave on Playoff Brink Amid Controversy

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Tulane Green Wave are one win away from potentially securing a spot in the College Football Playoff, and junior quarterback Jake Retzlaff is at the helm of their success. Retzlaff, in his first season as the starter, has thrown for 2,717 yards, leading Tulane to their third 10-win season in four years. He will face off against North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker in the American Conference championship game, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 5, at Yulman Stadium.

Retzlaff’s journey to Tulane has been unconventional. After beginning his collegiate career at Golden West College and Riverside City College, he transferred to BYU in 2023. In 2024, he threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading the Cougars to an 11-2 record. He then transferred to Tulane ahead of the 2025 season.

Despite his on-field success, Retzlaff’s past has been marked by controversy. A civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and rape was dismissed in June 2023 after both sides agreed to dismiss the case. Furthermore, BYU found Retzlaff to have violated its honor code by engaging in premarital sex. Rather than face a potential seven-game suspension, Retzlaff transferred from BYU after they did not approve his request to enter the portal, causing him to withdraw and re-enroll at Tulane. He joined the Green Wave in July after the program conducted extensive background checks.

On the field, Retzlaff has been a dual-threat force. In addition to his passing stats, he has rushed for 561 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, making him one of only four Tulane players to reach that mark.

As Tulane prepares for the championship game, Retzlaff’s performance will be crucial to their playoff aspirations.

(Statistics on Retzlaff’s performance at BYU and Tulane available upon request)

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org.

Read More