NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff experienced a significant shift in his football career when it became apparent that he would be unable to play his final college football season at Brigham Young University (BYU). His ability to perform in crucial moments, paired with his public embrace of his Jewish heritage, made him a notable figure at the Utah institution affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he was affectionately dubbed "BYJew."

However, Retzlaff has found his new home at Tulane University, which boasts a sizable Jewish student body of approximately 3,000. The "Bayou Jew" has played a vital role in leading the Green Wave, who currently hold an 11-2 record, to an American Athletic Conference championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. This weekend, Tulane, seeded 11th, is set to face off against No. 6 seed Mississippi.

Dave Cariello, owner of Campus Connection, emphasized that Retzlaff is "a perfect fit" at Tulane. A graduate of Tulane himself, Cariello has created T-shirts celebrating Retzlaff, including designs that call him the "Shabbat Shotgun" and the "Bayou Jew." Cariello, who oversees the merchandise operation and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals for players, noted that Retzlaff has been their top-selling NIL athlete, with his popularity partially stemming from his Jewish identity and, more importantly, his role as the starting quarterback.

Last season, Retzlaff recorded an 11-2 record as a starter at BYU and was preparing for a comeback in 2025 when he became embroiled in a civil sexual assault lawsuit that has since been dismissed. Although he maintained that the interaction in question was consensual, Retzlaff's situation conflicted with BYU's honor code, which mandates abstinence from premarital sex. This predicament would have led to his suspension had he remained at BYU.

Despite facing adversity, Retzlaff remained optimistic about finding opportunities at other competitive programs, eventually landing at Tulane, where he discovered not just a new team, but a community. "God's got a plan. And that’s the hardest thing to realize in the worst of times," he reflected, expressing gratitude for the relationships he has forged at Tulane and in New Orleans.

Upon joining Tulane in July, Retzlaff had a limited timeframe to acclimate to the Green Wave's offense and connect with his new teammates. He made it a point to sit with different players during team meals to foster camaraderie. Retzlaff has thrived under offensive coordinator Joe Craddock, performing effectively in a dual-threat role. This season, he has thrown for 2,862 yards, with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions, and impressively, he has also led the team in rushing with 610 yards and a record 16 rushing touchdowns for a Green Wave quarterback.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, who will transition to the University of Florida post-playoff, has praised Retzlaff for his competitive spirit and leadership qualities. "He’s got a little gamesmanship about him…a little toughness that rubs off on other guys," Sumrall remarked, highlighting Retzlaff's focus on team dynamics.

While Retzlaff continues to miss BYU and keeps in touch with former teammates, he finds practicing his Jewish faith more accessible at Tulane. He frequently interacts with Rabbi Yochanan Rivkin at Tulane’s Chabad house and has participated in communal prayers and events, including a Rosh Hashanah dinner attended by approximately 600 students.

Retzlaff has become a proud representative of his Jewish identity amidst rising antisemitism. He openly discusses the importance of wearing his Star of David necklace, affirming his confidence in his heritage. He has made connections within the Jewish community in New Orleans, dining with notable figures and attending local events like a Saints game and a Pelicans basketball game.

As his team prepares for a challenging playoff match against Ole Miss, which currently has them as 17-point underdogs, Retzlaff acknowledges the timing of their game coinciding with Hanukkah, a holiday that symbolizes miracles. "Jewlane and the Bayou Jew get to make headlines and promote positivity about Judaism," Retzlaff affirmed, embodying a spirit of resilience and pride.