BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s sexual assault lawsuit has been dismissed after he and his accuser filed a joint motion to drop the case “with prejudice.” This means the plaintiff cannot refile the lawsuit. Retzlaff reportedly intends to transfer from BYU following a pending seven-game suspension, not related to the assault allegation but to a violation of the school’s honor code which prohibits premarital sex. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints runs BYU, and its honor code applies to all students regardless of their religious affiliation. Retzlaff denied the assault allegation, claiming the encounter was consensual. The lawsuit sought damages of $300,000 and accused his accuser of intending to extort him. BYU has a history of athletes facing suspensions for honor code violations, with some high-profile cases in the past.
Davies’ dismissal marked the end of Retzlaff’s time with the team. Retzlaff, a graduate student with one year of NCAA eligibility left, had been working out with BYU in preparation for the upcoming fall season until news broke of his impending suspension. He has since informed his teammates and coaches of his decision to transfer and is expected to enter the transfer portal in the next few days. Retzlaff transferred to BYU from Riverside City College in 2023 and became the starting quarterback in 2024 after serving as a backup in his first year. In 2024, he led the Cougars to an impressive 11-2 season, culminating in a victory in the Alamo Bowl against Colorado. Retzlaff’s season stats included a completion rate of 57.9%, 2,947 passing yards (averaging 226.7 yards per game), 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
