BYU QB Shakeup! Retzlaff Out, Competition Heats Up for 2025!
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Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff's transfer options are narrowing as the 2025 college football season approaches. Retzlaff, who recently withdrew from BYU, is seeking a new team where he can either be a starter in a Group of Five program or a valuable backup in a Power Four conference.
According to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, Retzlaff's decision indicates he's looking for a starting role rather than a backup position. "If he was fine with that being the case, then (he) could have just stayed put at BYU, sat out the first seven games, and then stepped in as a Power Four starting quarterback," Zenitz said.
Retzlaff's departure opens up a quarterback competition at BYU. McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and Bear Bachmeier are now vying for the starting position. This isn't new territory for BYU under coach Kalani Sitake. Historically, QB competitions have actually benefited the Cougars.
BYU's QB Competition History
Since Sitake took over in 2016, BYU has a .750 winning percentage (48-16) in seasons where the Week 1 starting quarterback wasn't determined until the end of fall camp. This contrasts sharply with seasons where BYU had an established starter, during which they went 24-27 (.470).
Examples of Success with QB Competitions:
- 2016: 9-4, Poinsettia Bowl victory
- 2018: 7-6, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory
- 2020: 11-1, Boca Raton Bowl victory, No. 11 final national ranking
- 2021: 10-3, Independence Bowl loss, No. 19 final national ranking
- 2024: 11-2, Alamo Bowl victory, No. 13 final national ranking
Seasons with Established Starters (Less Success):
- 2017: 4-9, no bowl game
- 2019: 7-6, Hawaii Bowl loss
- 2022: 8-5, New Mexico Bowl victory
- 2023: 5-7, no bowl game
The upcoming quarterback battle will be Sitake's sixth in ten years, and BYU fans will be hoping history repeats itself, leading to another successful season.