Retzlaff’s decision to transfer comes after weeks of speculation, finally confirmed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The quarterback, who led BYU’s offense last season, will now compete with three other transfers at Tulane, all newcomers this offseason. This marks a fresh chapter for Retzlaff, who aims to make his mark in the American Athletic Conference with the Green Wave.
A Crowded Quarterback Room Awaits Retzlaff at Tulane
Tulane’s quarterback situation is looking crowded. With last year’s starter Darian Mensah leaving for Duke, the Green Wave have actively sought reinforcements. Retzlaff now joins Brendan Sullivan from Iowa, Donovan Leary from Illinois, and Kadin Semonza from Ball State. All four QBs are battling to replace Mensah’s solid stats — 2,723 passing yards and 22 touchdowns last season.
The pressure to fill Mensah’s shoes is real. Tulane posted a respectable 9-5 record last year, finishing second in the American Athletic Conference. That’s a tough act for any QB stepping in. Retzlaff, known for his arm strength and mobility, will need to bring his best to win the starting nod.
It’s a tall order, but one Retzlaff seems ready to tackle. Coach Jon Sumrall’s arrival at Tulane has energized the program, and Retzlaff’s connection with him runs deep.
Why Retzlaff Chose Tulane: Familiarity with Coach Sumrall
One key factor in Retzlaff’s transfer is his past relationship with Tulane’s head coach, Jon Sumrall. Sumrall initially recruited Retzlaff out of junior college when he coached at Troy. That connection seems to have played a huge role in Retzlaff’s choice.
Sumrall, who took over Tulane’s program after the 2023 season, had an impressive first year, leading the team close to a conference championship and securing a spot in the Gasparilla Bowl. His coaching style and leadership appear to have appealed to Retzlaff, offering a fresh chance to rebuild his college career under a familiar mentor.
It’s not just about familiarity, though. Sumrall’s reputation for developing quarterbacks and building competitive offenses likely gave Retzlaff confidence he can thrive in this system.
What Retzlaff Brings to the Table — and What He’s Up Against
Retzlaff’s tenure at BYU showed flashes of promise. He demonstrated a good mix of pocket passing and scrambling ability, traits highly valued in today’s game. But injuries and inconsistent performances limited his playing time last season.
Now, at Tulane, he has a chance to reboot and stake a claim as the leader of an offense hungry for success. However, the QB race won’t be easy.
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Brendan Sullivan brings experience from Iowa, known for his poise under pressure.
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Donovan Leary offers a dual-threat skill set honed at Illinois.
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Kadin Semonza adds depth and versatility from Ball State.
This diverse group means competition will be fierce. Coaches will have a tough job deciding who gets the keys.
Tulane Quarterback Candidates Overview
| Quarterback | Previous School | Playing Style | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Retzlaff | BYU | Pocket passer + mobile | Strong arm, leadership |
| Brendan Sullivan | Iowa | Traditional pocket passer | Experience, accuracy |
| Donovan Leary | Illinois | Dual-threat | Mobility, improvisation |
| Kadin Semonza | Ball State | Balanced passer | Versatility, adaptability |
It’s anyone’s game, but Retzlaff’s familiarity with the coach and offensive scheme might just give him an edge.
What This Means for BYU and Tulane Football
Retzlaff’s transfer is a blow to BYU’s quarterback depth, forcing the Cougars to look elsewhere to fill the gap. For Tulane, it signals serious intent to keep the momentum going after a strong 2024 season.
The Green Wave’s decision to tap the transfer portal aggressively shows how competitive college football has become. Programs are willing to shuffle rosters and chase talent to stay relevant.
For fans, it means an exciting season ahead, especially to see how these four quarterbacks battle it out in training camp and beyond.
The quarterback carousel keeps spinning, and Jake Retzlaff’s next chapter at Tulane promises plenty of drama and hope.
