Retzlaff is looking for a new program after leaving BYU last week.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) makes a pass during the game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is looking for a new program to finish out his college career.

Even after settling a civil sexual assault lawsuit, Retzlaff was facing a seven game suspension for violating the university’s Honor Code, The Salt Lake Tribune reported last week. Rather than sit out half the season, the quarterback decided to look for a landing spot where he could play the full slate of games.

From a football perspective, the 22-year-old has a number of programs that are interested in him, multiple sources have told The Tribune. After leading BYU to an 11-2 season, he is one of the few experienced quarterbacks left on the market. There are teams desperate to upgrade the quarterback room before fall camp begins in July, and Retzlaff fits that need.

But the mechanics of how Retzlaff will get to his new school are somewhat complicated.

First, Retzlaff had to resolve the lawsuit filed against him in May. He was accused by a woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe A.G., of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. In answering the lawsuit, Retzlaff said he had consensual sex with the woman. Premarital sex violates BYU’s Honor Code.

Both Retzlaff’s and Jane Doe’s attorney agreed to dismiss the case last Monday, clearing the way for Retzlaff to transfer.

But the transfer rules are tricky this late in July. By NCAA rule, a graduate transfer is allowed to enter the transfer portal at any time. But a player has to sit out the next season if he transfers after the final portal window closes. In this case, the final transfer window ended on April 25.

Retzlaff was not in the transfer portal as of Sunday, according to a new On3 report, meaning he missed the spring window.

But there are other avenues where Retzlaff could still play this August.

He could apply for a waiver from the NCAA to get immediate eligibility, On3 reported.

He could also use a new NCAA rule that opens another transfer window on July 7. The recent House vs. NCAA settlement created roster limits for college football programs. So the NCAA is allowing players who would have lost their scholarships to be placed on a “Designated Student-Athlete” list; they can transfer and play immediately. But Retzlaff would need to be on that list by July 6, according to the NCAA rules.

Retzlaff made his decision to transfer with the intent to play in August and is looking for a landing spot where he can start immediately, a source with knowledge of the situation said.

A decision is expected to come as soon as this week.