Rocking Royal

Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has verbally committed to Tulane, as first reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel.

The Green Wave, which investigated Retzlaff's situation for more than a week according to the Worldwide Leader, will bring in a multi-game power conference starter as it seeks to replace Darian Mensah's transfer to Duke in the offseason.

For Retzlaff, who finished his BYU career just short of graduation and will enroll as a walk-on, the move brings an offseason full of legal entanglements and honor code drama to a close.

Let's break it down on Rocking Royal, the podcast for BYU fans who rock the Y. the right way.

Jake Retzlaff's time at BYU is coming to a close.

Last year's starting quarterback plans to withdraw from the university, opening up a path to transfer without using the NCAA transfer portal, ESPN first reported Friday. Retzlaff will simply enroll at another school, as he confirmed several minutes later on social media.

"BYU has meant more to me than just football," he wrote on Instagram. "It's been a place of growth — spiritually, mentally, and physically. I'm grateful for every teammate, coach, staff member, and fan who's supported me along the way. The relationships and memories I've made in Provo will always be a part of me.

"That said, I'm excited to turn the page and embrace the next chapter. My journey is far from over — and I'm more motivated than ever to keep chasing my goals."

BYU responded with the following statement, its first official comment about the matter Retzlaff was the subject of a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault in May.

"We are grateful for the time Jake Retzlaff has spent at BYU," the university told KSL.com. "As he moves forward, BYU Athletics understands and respects Jake's decision to withdraw from BYU, and we wish him all the best as he enters the next phase of his career."

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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake speaks with the media during Big 12 media days, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Frisco, Texas, about the Cougars' upcoming quarterback competition following Jake Retzlaff's transfer from the team, Keanu Tanuvasa's integration on the defensive line after transferring from Utah, and BYU's linebackers and the heart of Jay Hill's defense.

LB Braxton Lindsey and DL Nehemiah Kolone committed to BYU, separated by about an hour and 187 miles of distance. But the high-end defensive prospects from Rogers, Arkansas, and Stillwater, Oklahoma, respectively pushed the Cougars' recruiting efforts in the class of 2026 back into the top 25 nationally by 247Sports.

And they aren't done yet.

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BYU wide receiver coach Fesi Sitake speaks with the Rocking Royal podcast about the additions of Reggie Frischknecht and Tiger Bachmeier; the emergence of Parker Kingston, Jojo Phillips and Cody Hagen; and why the shock departure of Keelan Marion has him less worried about the Cougars' wide receiver room in 2025.

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Former BYU All-American and Major League Rugby rookie Cole Semu speaks with KSL.com after getting called up to the 23-man travel roster ahead of the Utah Warriors' road match Saturday, April 12, 2025 at RFC Los Angeles — the beginning of a 35-day, 7-match run that will likely include Semu's pro debut as Utah embarks on 'Storm Week' and a pivotal stretch of the 2025 season.

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Four-star tight end Brock Harris joins the show to talk about his recent commitment to BYU, his plans for the future, and his upcoming senior year at Pine View High School in St. George.

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BYU tight end Carsen Ryan joins Sean Walker for a post-spring football edition of the Rocking Royal podcast, where the former Timpview and American Fork High standout talks about transferring home to play close to family; his family's legacy with the No. 20 jersey; and his expectations for his senior season at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe announced former BYU star and 2008 Mountain West player of the year Lee Cummard as the eighth head coach in BYU women's basketball history Monday, succeeding Whiting with the first head coaching job of his career.

"Lee has been an important part of our BYU Athletics family for many years," Holmoe said. "His time as a star player on the men's team, and a member of both the men's and women's basketball coaching staffs, gives him valuable experience and connection in this important position.

"He has displayed a loyal commitment to BYU and understands the valuable mission of our university. He will be able to retain key players and recruit those that will fit, excel and align at BYU."

Cummard joined the Rocking Royal podcast to discuss his preparation for the job, reaching out to recruits amid a coaching change, and celebrating his 40th birthday with a chance to lead a team at his alma mater.

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The most popular person in BYU's open locker room Wednesday ahead of the Cougars' Round of 16 tournament tilt with Alabama wasn't necessarily "Tater Tot King" and leading scorer Richie Saunders, veteran Trevin Knell, or five-star freshman Egor Demin.

Those guys had their own crowds. But the swelling crowd belonged to Mawot Mag, the Cougars' defensive specialist who was making a return to New Jersey after four years at Rutgers. Mag has been a key spark in the Cougars' first Sweet 16 appearance since 2011, especially with his stop against Wisconsin's Robert Tonje that sealed a 91-89 win over Wisconsin in Denver last week.

Now he got to address the media in the Garden State to talk about his transfer, his time in Piscataway, and how he's adapted to BYU and first-year head coach Kevin Young in making history for the Cougars.

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