Retzlaff made the decision to withdraw from BYU after facing a seven-game suspension related to a violation of the school's honor code. That suspension stemmed from allegations of sexual assault, which were later dismissed in a civil lawsuit, and BYU's strict policy prohibiting premarital sex, a rule Retzlaff admitted to violating.

Given the severity of the allegations Retzlaff faced, Tulane spent more than a week doing background on the transfer quarterback and had the school’s Title IX office review the move, according to ESPN. The report added that Retzlaff will join the Green Wave as a walk-on, as he was unable to enter the NCAA transfer portal given when he left BYU.

Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff had been accused of sexual assault while with the Cougars in a suit that later was dismissed.