The unexpected departure of starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff from the BYU football program, triggered by an Honor Code violation and a civil lawsuit (which was later dismissed with prejudice), leaves a significant void for the Cougars just weeks before the 2025 season. However, this situation also presents an opportunity for other quarterbacks on the roster to step up.

While Retzlaff was the incumbent, his on-field performance in 2024 was often inconsistent. His ESPN QBR of 57.1 for the non-conference portion of the season placed him near the bottom of Big 12 starting quarterbacks. This metric suggests that despite some "big-time throws," his overall decision-making and efficiency were often below average, leading to concerns about turnovers and consistency.

With Retzlaff now out of the picture, the quarterback competition for BYU's offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is wide open. The primary contenders, all of whom have the potential to be more consistent or offer a higher ceiling than Retzlaff's 2024 performance, are:

McCae Hillstead: A transfer from Utah State, Hillstead brings some prior FBS game experience. He showcased flashes of his talent in 2023, throwing for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in limited action for the Aggies. Hillstead is known for his mobility and ability to extend plays, which could be a strong asset in Roderick's offense. Some analysts believe he has the "best deep ball" among the remaining QBs.

Treyson Bourguet: Another transfer, Bourguet comes from Western Michigan, where he started eight games over two seasons, throwing for over 1,300 yards. He possesses solid arm talent and has been in BYU's system longer than true freshman Bear Bachmeier, giving him an advantage in terms of playbook familiarity.

Bear Bachmeier: The true freshman is arguably the most intriguing prospect. A former four-star recruit who initially enrolled at Stanford, Bachmeier has elite raw talent, a strong arm, and dual-threat capabilities. While he lacks college experience and has only been with the program for a short time, his high ceiling and physical tools make him a compelling option. He reportedly competed for the starting job at Stanford in spring camp, indicating his readiness to push for playing time. Some experts believe he has the highest ceiling of the group and could ultimately be the best quarterback on the roster.

BYU's immediate challenge is managing the lack of depth, as they are down to four quarterbacks, including two true freshmen. However, the unexpected change forces them to give extensive looks to players who might otherwise have been backups. This could lead to one of these younger, talented quarterbacks seizing the opportunity and potentially providing more consistent and higher-level play for the Cougars in 2025 than Retzlaff demonstrated in 2024. The long-term future still looks bright with 5-star Ryder Lyons committed for 2027 after his mission.

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The idea of Washington State and Oregon State, the "Pac-2" holdovers, eventually becoming viable Big 12 expansion candidates is a widely discussed topic in college football realignment, especially with the current state of the Pac-12. While they've recently rebuilt their conference with Mountain West additions and a new media deal, many analysts see this as a temporary arrangement, setting the stage for future moves.

Here's why Washington State and Oregon State could eventually be attractive Big 12 expansion candidates:

"Power Four" Status and Proven Competitiveness:

• Despite the mass exodus from the Pac-12, both Oregon State and Washington State have consistently demonstrated their ability to compete at a "Power Five" (now "Power Four") level in football. They've produced NFL talent, had strong seasons, and boast respected coaching staffs. Adding them wouldn't dilute the Big 12's competitive product; in fact, it would enhance it.
• For example, Oregon State had a strong 2023 season, and Washington State has often proven to be a tough out, even against top-tier opponents.

Geographic Expansion and Media Market Foothold:

• Adding WSU and OSU would give the Big 12 a true coast-to-coast presence, expanding its geographic footprint into the Pacific Northwest. This could tap into new media markets and fan bases, potentially increasing overall viewership and value for future media rights negotiations.
• Having teams in the Pacific time zone allows for valuable late-night television inventory, which can be attractive to broadcast partners like ESPN and FOX, who already carry the Big 12's primary media rights.

Recruiting Territory Access:

• The states of Washington and Oregon, while not as talent-rich as Texas or Florida, consistently produce solid high school football talent. A Big 12 presence in these states could provide better access to those recruiting grounds for all conference members.

Financial Disparity as a Driving Force:

• This is arguably the most critical factor. The "new" Pac-12, even with its recent additions and a new media deal with CBS Sports, is projected to pay its members significantly less than the Big 12.
• Estimates for the new Pac-12 media deal (starting 2026) suggest payouts between $7 million and $12 million per school annually.
• In contrast, the Big 12 is expected to pay its full members around $50 million per school annually starting in 2025.
• The massive difference (a potential jump from ~$10 million to ~$50 million) creates an almost irresistible financial incentive for Oregon State and Washington State to eventually seek an upgrade to a Big 12-level conference if the opportunity arises.

Seeking Long-Term Stability:

• While Oregon State and Washington State have valiantly rebuilt the Pac-12, the long-term stability of this new configuration remains a question mark, especially as the major conference media rights deals (Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) expire around 2030-2031. If the current Pac-12 media deal doesn't grow significantly by then, its members, including WSU and OSU, will be looking for more financially robust and stable homes.

In summary, while Washington State and Oregon State are currently committed to rebuilding the Pac-12, their strong athletic programs, geographic location, and the vast financial chasm between their current media deal and the Big 12's make them highly viable candidates should the Big 12 look to expand further in the future. The question is less about if they're viable, and more about when the circumstances align for such a move.

BYU starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff has filed a robust response to a civil lawsuit filed against him by an anonymous woman ("Jane Doe A.G."), emphatically denying the sexual assault allegations and effectively acting as a countersuit to clear his name.

In his legal filing, Retzlaff "categorically denies each and every and all allegations that he bit, raped or strangled" the plaintiff, labeling them "ridiculous and bizarre allegations, all of which are false and untrue." Instead, his attorneys assert that Retzlaff and the accuser "had a pleasant and entirely consensual evening together, playing video games, and a normal evening of consensual sexual interaction that was uneventful but pleasant." They claim the plaintiff slept over and left the next morning.

A key part of Retzlaff's defense involves text message exchanges between him and the accuser, which he describes as "fun and lighthearted," occurring weeks after the alleged incident. These messages, some of which banter about the BYU/Utah football rivalry, are presented as evidence that the interaction was consensual and that the accuser was comfortable with him post-encounter.

Retzlaff's response also heavily questions the timing and motivation behind the lawsuit. His legal team points out that the plaintiff's first claim of rape, linked to a "large monetary demand," only emerged after Retzlaff's successful 2024 season (11-2 record) and when he was being publicly identified as a potential NFL draft prospect. They allege no contact occurred between the parties during the 2024 season.

Furthermore, Retzlaff's defense suggests that the accuser "had sex with one or more Utah football players" around the time of the alleged incident, and initially reported to police that she was assaulted by a "childhood friend from Salt Lake City," implying an attempt to "extort money" from Retzlaff. He is seeking a dismissal of the complaint and full reimbursement of his legal fees.

This countersuit sets the stage for a contentious legal battle, with Retzlaff's attorneys maintaining his factual innocence and committing to proving it in court.

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Latest reports indicate that BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff plans to transfer from the program. This news broke on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with ESPN's Pete Thamel reporting that Retzlaff has "begun informing the staff and players of his plans to leave." This decision comes amid a civil lawsuit filed against Retzlaff in May 2025, alleging sexual assault. While Retzlaff and his lawyers have denied the allegations of sexual assault, they have admitted to a consensual sexual encounter, which is a direct violation of BYU's Honor Code prohibiting premarital sex. Sources suggest that BYU was prepared to suspend Retzlaff for several games (reportedly up to seven games) due to the Honor Code violation. It appears Retzlaff is opting to transfer to avoid this suspension and play his final collegiate season elsewhere. Potential landing spots mentioned in various reports include Notre Dame, Northwestern, and Utah, though these are currently unverified and speculative. The civil lawsuit against Retzlaff remains ongoing. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12

BYU Cougars Football lands 5-star QB sensation Ryder Lyons. Is this the game-changer that propels BYU to Big 12 dominance?

Dive into the seismic impact of Lyons' commitment on BYU's football program and the Big 12 landscape. Hosts break down the significance of this rare 5-star recruit for the Cougars, exploring how it stacks up against rival Utah's recruiting efforts. The conversation tackles BYU's unique approach to managing players' mission commitments and its effect on team dynamics.

Jake Hatch from Locked on Cougars offers insider perspectives on BYU's recruiting strategy and mission program management.

Will Ryder Lyons' arrival reshape BYU's offensive playbook? Can the Cougars leverage this momentum to climb the Big 12 ranks? Tune in for expert analysis on BYU's path to gridiron glory.

Ryder Lyons, the highly touted 5-star quarterback who just committed to BYU, will indeed be taking a significant detour before he ever steps onto the field for the Cougars: he plans to serve a one-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This means that while he is a part of the 2026 recruiting class, he will not enroll at BYU until January 2027. His "freshman" season on the field won't be until the 2027 college football season. Here's how this plays out and why it's a unique aspect of recruiting for BYU: Post-High School Departure: Lyons confirmed during his commitment announcement on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he will submit his mission papers in August 2025, shortly after his high school graduation. He expects to receive his mission call, assigning him a location anywhere in the world, within a few weeks. One-Year Mission: While the traditional full-time proselytizing mission for male members of the LDS Church is two years, it has become increasingly common for highly sought-after athletes to serve "one-year missions." This allows them to fulfill a religious obligation while also getting back to football sooner than a full two-year absence would entail. His older brother, Walker Lyons (now at USC), also served a one-year mission. Unique to BYU's Program: BYU, as an LDS-owned and operated university, is uniquely equipped to handle mission deferrals. Their coaching staff and academic advisors are highly experienced in working with athletes who choose to serve missions. This includes holding scholarships, maintaining academic eligibility, and providing a smooth re-entry into the program upon their return. This structured support is a major advantage BYU holds over other major college football programs when recruiting LDS athletes. Impact on BYU's QB Room: For BYU, Lyons's mission means he won't immediately compete for the starting quarterback job in 2026. This allows the current quarterbacks on the roster (like Jake Retzlaff, McCae Hillstead, and Treyson Bourguet, along with true freshman Bear Bachmeier) to develop and compete for the starting role in 2025 and 2026. If needed, BYU can still utilize the transfer portal for a one-year solution for the 2026 season, knowing that a generational talent like Lyons will be arriving in 2027. Anticipation for 2027: When Lyons does enroll in January 2027, he's expected to participate in spring practices and immediately push for the starting quarterback position for the 2027 season. His talent and dual-threat capabilities are highly anticipated by the BYU coaching staff and fanbase. Ryder Lyons's decision to serve a mission highlights the unique intersection of faith, family, and high-level college football that often defines BYU's recruiting approach. While it means a delay in seeing him on the field, it's a well-understood and supported part of the BYU athletic experience. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12