Jake Retzlaff Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Jake Retzlaff

Jake Retzlaff is a prominent American college football quarterback, recognized for his dynamic playmaking ability, strong arm, and resilience. He has carved a notable path through the collegiate ranks, beginning in junior college and rising to become a nationally recognized FBS quarterback. Retzlaff first gained significant attention at Riverside City College, where he was ranked as the number one junior college quarterback in the nation. His career continued at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he made history as the program’s first-ever Jewish starting quarterback, leading the team to a successful 11-2 season in 2024. Known for embracing his heritage, he garnered the nickname “BY-Jew” and secured a unique NIL deal with the Jewish food brand Manischewitz. Following a departure from BYU, he transferred to Tulane University in 2025, continuing his collegiate journey. His story is one of perseverance, athletic talent, and navigating the unique cultural landscape of college sports.

Jake Retzlaff Overview

Early Life and Education of Jake Retzlaff

Jake Retzlaff was born on March 28, 2003, in Corona, California, to Steve and Maxanne “Max” Retzlaff. He grew up in a household deeply immersed in athletics; his father, Steve, was a football coach for 25 years at institutions including Claremont McKenna College, and his mother, Max, coached tennis at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College for two decades. This environment fostered a competitive spirit in Jake and his two brothers, Daniel and Reggie. The family proudly practices Judaism, a faith that Retzlaff has openly embraced throughout his life and career. He had a bar mitzvah and is a member of Temple Beth Israel, a Reform synagogue in Pomona, California.

Retzlaff attended Centennial High School in Corona, a school with a highly competitive football program. During his junior year, he was part of a three-man quarterback rotation and managed to pass for 1,067 yards and eight touchdowns. He was poised to take over as the undisputed starter for his senior season, a year he hoped would solidify his recruitment prospects. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of his senior football season, significantly disrupting his recruiting process and leaving him with limited options from four-year universities. This setback forced Retzlaff to bet on himself and pursue the junior college route to continue his football career, a decision that would ultimately shape his path to national recognition. He is pursuing a major in Exercise Science.

Jake Retzlaff’s Career

Jake Retzlaff’s collegiate football career is a testament to his perseverance and talent, marked by a journey through multiple institutions where he consistently elevated his game. After his senior high school season was derailed by the pandemic, Retzlaff began his career in 2021 at Golden West College. As a true freshman, he immediately showcased his potential, throwing for an impressive 3,302 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning an All-California First-Team selection. His performance demonstrated he was ready for a bigger stage.

In 2022, he transferred to Riverside City College (RCC), a move that would prove to be career-defining. At RCC, Retzlaff had a phenomenal season, cementing his status as the top junior college quarterback in the nation. He started 13 games, leading the Tigers to a 12-1 record and an appearance in the California Community College State Championship game. His statistics were staggering: 4,596 passing yards and 44 touchdowns, complemented by 515 rushing yards and six touchdowns. During his time at RCC, he set school records for most passing yards in a game (529) and passing touchdowns in a single game (6). He often connected with his older brother, Reggie, who was a wide receiver for the team.

His extraordinary season at Riverside made him a highly sought-after transfer, and in January 2023, Retzlaff committed to Brigham Young University (BYU). He entered the 2023 season as the backup to transfer Kedon Slovis. An injury to Slovis thrust Retzlaff into the starting role for the final four games of the season, where he threw for 648 yards and three touchdowns. He was named the undisputed starter for the 2024 season and led the Cougars to a remarkable 11-2 record. He finished the season with 2,947 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, along with 417 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. His performance earned him All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors and spots on the watch lists for the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Awards.

Following the 2024 season, Retzlaff’s time at BYU came to an unexpected end. In June 2025, he faced a likely suspension for violating the school’s honor code by admitting to premarital sex. This stemmed from a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault, which was later dismissed. Consequently, Retzlaff entered the transfer portal for a third time. On July 21, 2025, he announced his transfer to Tulane University. He was quickly named the starting quarterback for the Green Wave and made an immediate impact, leading them to victories and earning American Offensive Player of the Week honors after a standout performance against Duke where he rushed for four touchdowns.

Jake Retzlaff Personal Life & Family

Jake Retzlaff comes from a close-knit, athletic family that has been a significant support system throughout his career. His parents, Steve and Maxanne “Max” Retzlaff, both have extensive backgrounds in coaching, with his father in football and his mother in tennis. This upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of competitive sports. His father, Steve, has been particularly involved in his career decisions, carefully weighing the pros and cons of his move to BYU.

He has two brothers, Daniel and Reggie. His older brother, Reggie, is also a talented football player, a wide receiver who played alongside Jake at Riverside City College, where they formed a formidable duo. His faith is a central part of his identity. Retzlaff and his family are practicing Jews, and he has been very open about his heritage. He became the first Jewish quarterback to play for BYU, a university owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite being in a religious minority on campus, Retzlaff embraced his identity, often wearing a Star of David necklace and expressing how the faith-oriented environment at BYU helped him connect more strongly with his own beliefs.

In his personal life, Jake Retzlaff is in a relationship with Jaelynn Lambert. Lambert is also a student-athlete at BYU, playing as an outfielder for the softball team. She has been a visible supporter of Retzlaff’s career, often seen at his games and sharing encouraging messages on social media.

Awards and Achievements of Jake Retzlaff

• All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (Big 12 Coaches, College Football Network; 2024)
• Davey O’Brien Award Midseason Watch List (2024)
• Maxwell Award Midseason Watch List (2024)
• Davey O’Brien Great 8 list honoree
• Manning Award Stars of the Week honoree (Multiple times)
• American Offensive Player of the Week (at Tulane)
• Midseason Big 12 Quarterback of the Year (College Football Network; 2024)
• First Team All-Big 12 (College Football Network; Midseason 2024)
• All-California First-Team Offense (at Riverside City College; 2022)
• All-California First-Team selection (at Golden West; 2021)
• Ranked No. 1 junior college quarterback by ESPN (2023)

Jake Retzlaff Net Worth and Income

The specific net worth of Jake Retzlaff is not publicly available as of 2025. As a college athlete, his primary sources of income are derived from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which are permissible under current NCAA rules. One of his most notable and widely publicized NIL agreements was with Manischewitz, a well-known brand specializing in kosher food products. This partnership was particularly significant as it celebrated his Jewish heritage and his unique position as the starting quarterback at BYU. The deal included special-edition matzah boxes featuring his likeness and social media promotions. While the financial terms of the Manischewitz deal and any other NIL agreements he may have were not disclosed, these partnerships represent a key component of his income. His future earning potential will largely depend on the continued success of his football career and his marketability.

Legacy and Influence

Jake Retzlaff’s legacy is already multifaceted, defined by his on-field success and his significant cultural impact. As a football player, he has demonstrated exceptional resilience, rising from the obscurity of a canceled high school season to become the top-ranked junior college quarterback and a successful FBS starter. His dual-threat capabilities and leadership have been evident at every level of his collegiate career. However, his influence extends far beyond the gridiron. By becoming the first Jewish starting quarterback at BYU, a predominantly Mormon university, he broke new ground and became a symbol of religious diversity and inclusion in college athletics. He openly embraced his identity, inspiring many and fostering dialogue about faith in sports. His popular nickname “BY-Jew” and his landmark NIL deal with Manischewitz further amplified this, turning his personal story into a national conversation. He has shown a willingness to be a role model, expressing hope that his journey might inspire other young Jewish athletes. Retzlaff’s public image is that of a determined, talented athlete who is proud of his heritage and unafraid to navigate complex cultural spaces.

Interesting Facts about Jake Retzlaff

• He is the first-ever Jewish quarterback to play for Brigham Young University (BYU).
• Both of his parents were college-level coaches; his father in football and his mother in tennis.
• He played alongside his older brother, Reggie Retzlaff, who was a wide receiver at Riverside City College.
• Retzlaff signed a groundbreaking NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with Manischewitz, becoming the first athlete to be sponsored by the iconic Jewish food brand.
• He considers himself the best ping pong player on the football team.
• While at BYU, a school with over 33,000 students, he was one of only a handful of Jewish students on campus.
• After leaving BYU, he earned new nicknames at Tulane, including “Kosher Cannon” and “Bayou Jew,” reflecting the university’s large Jewish community.

Controversies

In May 2025, Jake Retzlaff’s career was impacted by a significant controversy when a civil lawsuit was filed against him in Utah, alleging sexual assault. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe A.G., claimed the incident occurred in November 2023 at his home. Retzlaff maintained that the encounter was consensual. The case gained considerable media attention, creating a challenging period for the quarterback. Ultimately, the lawsuit was dropped in June 2025, with a mutual agreement to dismiss the case with prejudice.

However, the situation had further repercussions due to BYU’s strict honor code, which requires students to abstain from premarital sex. After admitting to a consensual sexual relationship in the course of defending himself against the lawsuit, Retzlaff faced a likely seven-game suspension from the university. Following this, in June 2025, he announced his decision to withdraw from BYU and enter the NCAA transfer portal, ultimately leading to his move to Tulane University.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Follower count not publicly available.
• Twitter – Public profile and follower count not available.
• YouTube – Does not have a known personal YouTube channel.

Final Words about Jake Retzlaff

Jake Retzlaff’s journey through college football is a compelling narrative of athletic prowess, personal conviction, and the ability to overcome adversity. His career, marked by record-setting performances in junior college and a historic, successful tenure at BYU, showcases his skill as a dual-threat quarterback. Beyond his stats, Retzlaff has made a unique cultural impact as a proud Jewish athlete at a Mormon institution, fostering conversations about faith and identity in sports. Despite facing a significant off-field controversy that precipitated his departure from BYU, he has demonstrated resilience by quickly re-establishing himself as a leader at Tulane University. As he continues his redshirt senior season, Retzlaff’s future looks bright. His journey, far from over, continues to be watched by many, not just for his on-field heroics, but for the inspiring and complex story he represents. His legacy will likely be that of a talented quarterback who navigated a unique path with determination and a strong sense of self.