Provo • The biggest surprise name in the list of participants for BYU football’s pro day was former quarterback Jake Retzlaff.
Once the starter for the 11-2 Cougars, Retzlaff left the program less than two months before the 2025 season started when he reportedly faced a seven-game suspension for violating the school’s Honor Code.
But even after a newsworthy departure from the team, the quarterback decided to participate in BYU’s pro day, which took place at the Cougars’ practice facility on Friday in front of NFL scouts from all across the league.
“We’ve always been in contact with [Retzlaff],” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. “Even though he wasn’t playing for us, he’s still a part of our family.”
Sitake said that both he and Retzlaff came together to make the decision about the quarterback’s participation on Friday. The two were in regular contact throughout the season, and Sitake cheered on his former QB as he led the Green Wave to a College Football Playoff appearance.
“I mean, once a Cougar, always a cougar,” Sitake said. “We cheered for him as his team went to the playoffs last year, and I’m just really proud of what he’s been able to accomplish.”
Retzlaff did not participate in the bench press, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, or broad jump, but he did run a few quarterback drills. None of the drills were too complicated, but they were a chance to showcase his arm strength and accuracy.
His best moments came from throwing the deep ball to receivers streaking to the end zone.
He was able to throw to former teammates Chase Roberts, JoJo Phillips, and Hinckley Ropati. Roberts and Ropati also showcased their skills in front of NFL scouts on Friday.
“It was awesome, and I missed it for sure,” former BYU receiver Chase Roberts said about catching passes from his old teammate, Retzlaff. “He was slinging it today, so I’m excited to see where he ends up. I’m really proud of what Jake has done.”
“I think he’s got a great arm and I think he’ll have a great shot at the next level,” Sitake said about Retzlaff. “We have a good history of quarterbacks that are still in the league right now. I think he’ll be just fine in the NFL. It’s just a matter of timing and who he gets to work with.”
Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for the Cougars in 2024. In his senior season at Tulane, he threw for 3,168 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven picks. He also scored 16 touchdowns on the ground for the Green Wave.
He is not currently projected to be drafted in April.