Former BYU offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who later coached at USC and other notable programs, used to say that if you still have a starting quarterback battle after spring practice, you don’t have a true starter yet.
“The key is observing the character of the competing quarterbacks and how they handle the situation. They are working together, talking often, and are good friends,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake.
Chow believed that a true starter emerges early, eliminating any doubts. Current BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff disagrees. After the Cougars’ final spring practice on March 30, Retzlaff told the Deseret News that head coach Kalani Sitake and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick can’t make a wrong choice between him and Baylor/USF transfer Gerry Bohanon for the starting position when the season begins on August 31 against Southern Illinois.
“We are both determined to make it the hardest decision that A Rod (Roderick) has ever had to make,” Retzlaff said. “Hopefully, Gerry and I play so well through the summer and fall camp that the coaches have a tough decision. I’ll focus on myself, my development, and getting the team ready.”
Insiders from spring camp noted that Retzlaff had a better grasp of the offense and made quicker decisions, while Bohanon showcased a stronger arm and more mobility.
Roderick noted the strengths of both quarterbacks: “They are actually more similar than different. Both are athletic, can make necessary throws, and are really smart. Gerry has more overall experience, while Jake knows our offense better. It’s been a good battle.”
Roderick wants Bohanon to become more comfortable with the offense to play without overthinking. For Retzlaff, the goal is to continue taking great care of the ball, as he had zero interceptions during spring, a first for Roderick’s quarterbacks in 15 practices. Retzlaff had previously struggled with critical turnovers.
Former BYU quarterbacks like Max Hall and Riley Nelson have suggested naming a starter after spring camp to unify the team and avoid uncertainty. Sitake isn’t concerned about locker room division due to the team’s maturity and the friendship between Bohanon and Retzlaff.
Receiver-turned-tight end Keanu Hill described the competition as “competitive but not heated,” noting both quarterbacks’ impressive throws and Bohanon’s development despite being new.
Coaches must consider that Bohanon has one season of eligibility left, while Retzlaff has two and will graduate next year. Retzlaff, an excellent student with a 3.6 GPA, has gained eight pounds of lean muscle since the end of the 2023 season. He doesn’t expect to be handed the starting role just because he started the last four games of the previous season, all losses. He focuses on what he can control and enjoys the competition with his teammates.
After the semester, Retzlaff plans to work out with former BYU quarterback John Beck and his 3DQB Academy in Southern California, then return to Provo to build chemistry with the offense.
“To be honest, I don’t think a lot of guys are worried about Gerry and me,” Retzlaff said. “There is competition in many other areas, and everyone is focusing on their own battles. The team trusts the coaches to make the right decisions.”
He concluded by saying the players are grateful for their situation and trust the coaches’ judgment.
