Tulane Football Target Jake Retzlaff Aims for Starting Spot

Tulane Green Wave Football Team Prepares for Quarterback Competition

The Tulane Green Wave football team is currently in the process of determining who will take on the role of starting quarterback for the 2025 college football season. With the upcoming fall camp approaching, the spotlight is on three players already on the roster: Brendan Sullivan, Kadin Semonza, and Donovan Leary. However, head coach Jon Sumrall has made it clear that he will choose the best player for the job, regardless of their position on the depth chart.

This openness leaves the door open for a fourth contender to enter the race. One such potential candidate is Jake Retzlaff, the former quarterback from BYU. Retzlaff is reportedly seeking an opportunity to start, and he may not be interested in remaining on the bench at a Power Four school. Instead, he might look to join a Group of Five program where he can immediately step into a starting role.

The Transfer Portal Landscape

CBS Sports college football reporter Matt Zenitz recently discussed the transfer portal market with Andrew Ivins on The 105 with Andrew Ivins & Cooper Petagna. Zenitz analyzed Retzlaff’s options and his potential decision-making process. He believes that Retzlaff is not looking to sit out or wait for a chance to start. If he was comfortable with that scenario, he could have stayed at BYU and waited for the first seven games before stepping in as a starting quarterback at a Power Four school. Instead, Retzlaff seems eager to start immediately.

This makes a Group of Five opportunity more likely for him. Tulane is one of the programs that could fit his needs. This is not the first time that Tulane has been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Retzlaff. Brad Crawford of CBS Sports previously noted that if Retzlaff does not sign with a Power Four team, Tulane would be one of the top Group of Five options with a real shot at the starting job.

Retzlaff’s Performance and Background

In his 2024 season, Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns on 213 passes, while also rushing for 417 yards and six touchdowns on 100 attempts. Under his leadership, the BYU Cougars finished with an 11-2 record. However, Retzlaff is now leaving the program after receiving a seven-game suspension for violating the school’s honor code related to premarital sex.

Retzlaff was also involved in a civil suit alleging sexual assault in May, though the case was dismissed on June 30. During the legal process, he admitted to engaging in premarital sex, which led to his suspension.

Challenges for Retzlaff

Despite his experience, Retzlaff would face challenges if he were to join Tulane. He would miss both fall camp and summer workouts, which are crucial times for building chemistry with teammates and coaches. However, his experience at the Power Four level could give him an edge over the other contenders at Tulane.

If he were to join the Green Wave, Retzlaff could quickly adapt to the system and potentially become a strong candidate for the starting position. His track record and skill set make him a compelling option for any program looking for an immediate impact quarterback.

Other Developments in Tulane Football

Tulane has been making waves in the college football world this offseason. The program recently unveiled new jerseys for the 2025 season, signaling a fresh start. Additionally, several players have been recognized by College Football News as preseason All-AAC selections, showing the team's growing strength.

For more updates on Tulane football, fans can check out the latest news and analysis from trusted sources.