The shocking BYU Cougars are undefeated, ranked No. 14 within the AP Prime 25 and tied with No. 11 Iowa State atop the Large 12 Convention standings.
Main the best way for the Cougars is trailblazing quarterback Jake Retzlaff. At a college with a 99% Mormon pupil physique, the “face” of the varsity’s soccer group proudly showcases his Jewish religion.
The redshirt junior is the first Jewish beginning QB within the historical past of the BYU soccer program and the solely beginning Jewish QB on the FBS degree.
By means of the primary 5 video games of the 2024 marketing campaign, Retzlaff has accomplished 61.2% of his passes for 1,208 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s additionally the group’s main rusher with 156 yards and one TD on 34 carries.
A southern California native, Retzlaff acquired no scholarship provides out of highschool. He acquired consideration from BYU after placing up unbelievable numbers on the junior faculty (JUCO) degree. At Riverside Metropolis School, he threw for 4,596 yards and 44 TDs in 2022. After backing up Kedon Slovis in 2023, he earned the beginning job this season.
In an interview with BYUtv Sports activities Nation in September, Retzlaff stated BYU has confirmed to be the right touchdown spot for him.
“There is no technique to describe it aside from I am within the place I am purported to be proper now,” Retzlaff stated. “It was a curler coaster of a journey … I am grateful for each a part of it — would not change any of it.”
Retzlaff is accustomed to being surrounded by individuals of different faiths and feels welcome on the BYU campus.
“Me and my two brothers have been actually the one two Jewish athletes (in my city) rising up,” Retzlaff stated in a current interview with CBS Sports activities. “I really like to have the ability to be a beacon and simply to encourage any individual. If it is one, then it is sufficient … The whole lot is so faith-oriented. You’ll assume everyone seems to be doing their very own factor, however it’s the other. Everyone seems to be so embraceful of each religion on campus.”
As revealed in interviews televised by ESPN’s “School GameDay,” Retzlaff’s teammates assist his devotion to his Jewish religion and heritage.
BYU is at present projected to win the Large 12 Convention championship. If that projection involves fruition, the Cougars and Retzlaff will obtain a first-round bye within the School Soccer Playoff.
