Jake Retzlaff: Saturday Night Lights, a Symbol of Faith, and the Spirit of BYU

Jake Retzlaff: Saturday Night Lights, a Symbol of Faith, and the Spirit of BYU

He scans the defense, reading the alignment, noting the shifting linebackers and the safety creeping toward the box. Calmly, he calls out an audible, adjusts the protection, and sets his feet.

The ball is snapped. Retzlaff turns his back to the defense, selling the play-action fake to his running back. The linebackers bite, surging forward. As he pivots back around, the chaos sharpens into focus. He locks eyes with the free safety, holding him in the middle of the field for just a split second longer. Then, in one fluid motion, he snaps his gaze to the receiver breaking on the post-corner route and fires-a tight spiral, perfectly placed, arcing past the outstretched arms of the defender and landing in his receiver’s hands for a touchdown.

In that instant, Jake Retzlaff is more than just a quarterback. He’s a rare sight in college football: a Jewish athlete, his Star of David catching the stadium lights as it rests against his blue and white BYU jersey. The colors may evoke the flag of Israel, but the jersey reads “Brigham Young.” On a campus where religious minorities are few, and in a sport where Jewish players are uncommon, Retzlaff’s presence is both striking and inspiring.

From Southern California to Provo

Retzlaff’s journey is as unique as his presence on the field. Raised in Corona, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, in a family where both sports and Jewish tradition were central, he became a standout quarterback at Riverside City College. When he transferred to BYU in 2023, he joined a program steeped in Latter-day Saint tradition-a place where less than 2% of students share his faith. Yet, it was here that Retzlaff found a new home and a community that embraced him, not in spite of his differences, but in celebration of them.

Making His Mark

Retzlaff’s impact was immediate. After stepping in as starting quarterback for the final four games of 2023, he took the reins for the entire 2024 season. Retzlaff led BYU to an 11-2 record, a share of the Big 12 title, and a dominant win over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl-a game he famously and humorously dubbed the “People’s Big XII Championship.” BYU soared as high as #6 in the national rankings, and Retzlaff was at the heart of every big moment.

Statistically, his 17 career starts have already put him among the Big 12’s most productive quarterbacks: over 3,500 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and more than 500 rushing yards. He’s been named a team captain, earned All-Big 12 honors, and appeared on national award watchlists like the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell. But what stands out most is the respect he commands in the locker room and the poise he shows in the game’s biggest moments.

A Story of Merit

But let’s be clear: this isn’t just a story about diversity. It’s a story of merit. Jake Retzlaff has earned every snap, accolade, and ounce of respect through his performance and leadership. He’s celebrated not just for who he is, but for what he does-how he elevates his team and delivers in the clutch.

Nowhere was this clearer than in last season’s “Holy War,” Utah’s storied in-state rivalry game between BYU and the University of Utah. Late in the fourth quarter, BYU trailed and the odds looked bleak. Retzlaff’s first three passes on the final drive fell incomplete. On fourth down, he was sacked-seemingly ending BYU’s hopes. But a defensive penalty gave the Cougars new life. With the game, the rivalry, and the season on the line, Retzlaff regrouped, calmly delivered a 30-yard strike to Chase Roberts, then connected with Darius Lassiter to move BYU into field goal range. Moments later, the Cougars sealed an improbable comeback with a game-winning kick.

Retzlaff’s resilience and poise in the face of adversity defined that drive. His background may make his journey unique, but it’s his talent, work ethic, and ability to deliver under pressure that make it extraordinary-and that’s something everyone, regardless of faith or fandom, can respect.

Leadership, Identity, and Camaraderie

It’s uncommon to see Jewish players in college football-especially as starting quarterbacks at major programs. That’s part of what makes Retzlaff’s journey so meaningful. He wears his heritage with pride, not just as a personal symbol, but as a beacon for others who feel different or underrepresented. His openness has fostered curiosity and respect among teammates, and his leadership has helped set a standard for accountability and unity.

Equally inspiring is the way BYU and its Latter-day Saint community have welcomed him. Retzlaff has spoken about how the school’s focus on faith made him feel more at home and encouraged him to express his own beliefs. The camaraderie and respect he’s experienced are a testament to the values of inclusion and religious liberty-values that both Jews and Latter-day Saints, as historically marginalized groups, deeply understand.

Beyond Football

Retzlaff’s story is about more than touchdowns and trophies. It’s about what happens when a community chooses to embrace difference, and when an individual chooses to stand tall in their identity. Seeing a Jewish quarterback lead a Mormon university’s football team to national prominence is a powerful image-one that speaks to the best of American ideals: freedom, mutual respect, and the courage to be yourself.

Jake Retzlaff is more than a quarterback. He’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent, faith, and acceptance come together on the biggest stage-and when merit always matters most.