Latest news with #KalaniSitake
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
This 2026 defensive back recruit has committed to BYU
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake puts his hand on Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. OU won 31-24. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News BYU has picked up the 10th member of its 2026 football recruiting class. Defensive back Antonio Johnson has committed to the Cougars, he announced Saturday via social media. 'Thank you to all my family and coaches who believed in my ability,' Johnson wrote in an Instagram post. 'I want to thank the the man himself, Jesus, and my mom (for) helping me be the man I've become and wanted to thank Coach (Jay) Hill for taking a chance on me.' Advertisement The Fort Worth, Texas, native is rated as a 3-star talent by 247 Sports with a player grade of 86 and ranks as the No. 93 cornerback recruit in the country. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Johnson chose BYU over competing offers from UTEP, Texas State and Miami (Ohio). Johnson is the 10th 2026 prospect to commit to BYU, joining the likes of Brock Harris, Bott Mulitalo, Terrance Saryon and others.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arkansas linebacker Braxton Lindsey commits to BYU
BYU players huddle around head coach Kalani Sitake after a scrimmage at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Aug. 17, 2024. | Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo Another highly-touted prospect is joining BYU's 2026 recruiting class. Linebacker Braxton Lindsey has committed to the Cougars, he announced Monday. Lindsey holds a 0.8846 composite rating from 247 Sports, ranking as a high 3-star prospect, the No. 7 overall recruit out of Arkansas and the No. 35 linebacker nationally. Advertisement The 6-foot-2, 225-pound native of Rogers, Arkansas chose the Cougars over a number of other notable programs, including SEC schools Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. As a junior this past season at Rogers High, Lindsey recorded nine sacks, 10 quarterback pressures and forced two fumbles. On the offensive side of the ball, he caught 62 passes for 1,139 yards and 14 touchdowns. What BYU's 2026 recruiting class currently looks like
Reuters
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Facing suspension, Jake Retzlaff withdraws from BYU
July 11 - Embattled quarterback Jake Retzlaff announced Friday that he is withdrawing from BYU, a move that comes after he was recently accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit. Retzlaff contended the sex was consensual. The suit was dismissed June 30 but Retzlaff still faced a seven-game suspension for violating the school's honor code that prohibits premarital sex. "After a lot of prayer, reflection, and conversations with those I trust, I've made the difficult decision to officially withdraw from BYU and step away from the BYU Football program," Retzlaff said on Instagram. "BYU has meant more to me than just football. 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." Retzlaff will likely walk on to another program in coming weeks. Retzlaff emerged as a star last season and the school has no clear-cut replacement for the 2025 campaign. "We are grateful for the time Jake Retzlaff has spent at BYU," the school's athletic department said in a statement. "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." At this week's Big 12 media days, coach Kalani Sitake had little to say about Retzlaff. "We love Jake Retzlaff and appreciate all that he's done for our program," Sitake said on Tuesday. .".. It would be inappropriate for me to make a statement in his situation." The lawsuit alleged that Retzlaff committed the assault in November 2023 at his home in Provo, Utah. According to the suit, Retzlaff and Jane Doe started to watch a movie in his room and began kissing. The lawsuit says Jane Doe did not want to go any further and asked him to "stop," but Retzlaff eventually found a condom and assaulted her. Retzlaff, a California native who began his career playing for Riverside (Calif.) City College, transferred to BYU prior to the 2023 season. After starting the final four games in 2023, he won a training-camp battle to become the Cougars' regular quarterback in 2024. He led them to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado. He finished the campaign with 2,947 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound redshirt senior had been expected to reprise his role this fall. Now Retzlaff will seek to make an impact at another school. "I'm excited to turn the page and embrace the next chapter," Retzlaff said. "My journey is far from over -- and I'm more motivated than ever to keep chasing my goals." BYU opens the season Aug. 30 against visiting Portland State. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff transferring following tumultuous few months
PROVO, Utah. (AP) — BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is transferring after a tumultuous few months that included being named in a civil sexual assault suit that was later dismissed. 'After a lot of prayers, reflection and conversations with those I trust, I've made the difficult decision to officially withdraw from BYU and the BYU football program,' Retzlaff posted Friday on Instagram. 'BYU has meant more to me that just football. 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.' Advertisement Retzlaff reportedly faced a suspension for violating the honor code at the university, which is run by the Mormon church, after acknowledging a consensual sexual relationship in his defense against the lawsuit. Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions last season as the Cougars contended for a spot in the Big 12 championship game. BYU coach Kalani Sitake avoided commenting on Retzlaff's situation at Big 12 media days earlier this week, saying it was a private matter and he shouldn't comment before Retzlaff. ___ AP college football: The Associated Press
Associated Press
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff transferring following tumultuous few months
PROVO, Utah. (AP) — BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is transferring after a tumultuous few months that included being named in a civil sexual assault suit that was later dismissed. 'After a lot of prayers, reflection and conversations with those I trust, I've made the difficult decision to officially withdraw from BYU and the BYU football program,' Retzlaff posted Friday on Instagram. 'BYU has meant more to me that just football. 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.' Retzlaff reportedly faced a suspension for violating the honor code at the university, which is run by the Mormon church, after acknowledging a consensual sexual relationship in his defense against the lawsuit. Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions last season as the Cougars contended for a spot in the Big 12 championship game. BYU coach Kalani Sitake avoided commenting on Retzlaff's situation at Big 12 media days earlier this week, saying it was a private matter and he shouldn't comment before Retzlaff. ___ AP college football:
