Report: Starting Big 12 Quarterback Accused of Sexual Assault

There could be trouble brewing within a Big 12 program expected to contend in 2025. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has been accused of sexual assault, according to a report by the Salt Lake Tribune.

Based on the report, an anonymous Salt Lake County woman filed a lawsuit on Wednesday, saying Retzlaff of sexually assaulting her in November of 2023. She reported the incident to the police, but Retzlaff has not been charged with a crime to this point.

In her lawsuit, the woman claims the assault occurred in 2023 shortly after they first connected on social media. Also in the report, the woman went to the hospital a few days following the alleged incident. Her lawsuit also claims she did not initially name Retzlaff to police out of fear.

Retzlaff, 21, transferred in to BYU in 2023, becoming the Cougars starter last season – the first Jewish starting quarterback in school history. He threw for 2,947 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while leading BYU to an 11-2 record.

BYU is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, requiring students are held to a strict honor code that includes prohibiting premarital and extramarital sex whether or not they are a member of the Mormon church.

Jake Retzlaff or BYU has not provided any public comment or response to accusation and lawsuit at this time.

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