BYU Coach Backs Tulane QB's NFL Future After Past Suspension

Kalani Sitake praises Jake Retzlaff's growth and BYU's QB pipeline ahead of NFL Draft

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:35pm

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When former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff returned to Provo for the school's Pro Day, it was a chance to showcase his skills for NFL scouts and reconnect with the program that helped shape his journey. Despite Retzlaff's previous suspension and departure from BYU, head coach Kalani Sitake publicly backed the Tulane QB's NFL future, pointing to the school's track record of developing pro-level talent.

Why it matters

Sitake's endorsement of Retzlaff carries weight, as transfers and player exits can sometimes create friction between programs and former players. But Sitake focused on Retzlaff's growth since leaving BYU and the Cougars' own success in rebuilding their offense, suggesting both sides have moved past any past issues.

The details

Retzlaff, who transferred to Tulane after his suspension at BYU, had a breakout season for the Green Wave, improving his PFSN CFB QB Impact score from 75.4 to 86.6. Meanwhile, BYU found a new long-term answer at QB in freshman Bear Bachmeier, helping the Cougars reach the Big 12 Championship Game and win the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

  • Retzlaff returned to BYU's Pro Day on March 20, 2026 to showcase his skills for NFL scouts.
  • Retzlaff had a suspension and departure from BYU in the past.

The players

Kalani Sitake

The head football coach at Brigham Young University (BYU).

Jake Retzlaff

A quarterback who previously played at BYU but transferred to Tulane, where he had a breakout season and is now preparing for the NFL Draft.

Bear Bachmeier

A freshman quarterback at BYU who helped spark the Cougars' offense to a top-25 national ranking in PFSN CFB Offensive Impact.

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What they’re saying

“We have a good history of some quarterbacks that are still in the league.”

— Kalani Sitake, Head Coach

What’s next

Retzlaff will look to continue impressing NFL scouts ahead of the upcoming draft, with Sitake's public backing potentially boosting his stock.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of relationships and accountability in college football, as Sitake and BYU have embraced Retzlaff's return and growth, despite past issues. It also shows how programs can evolve and find new success, as BYU has done with Bachmeier, while still supporting former players like Retzlaff.