When the BYU Cougars take the field tonight against Southern Illinois (6 p.m., ESPN+), Jake Retzlaff will be leading the charge at quarterback. BYU made the announcement Saturday afternoon, putting the spotlight on Retzlaff as he kicks off the season opener. But the story behind this quarterback battle is deeper than just who’s starting. South Florida transfer Gerry Bohanon, who lost out on the starting job, might have more to do with Retzlaff’s rise than you’d think.
If Bohanon is looking for someone to blame for not being the starter tonight, he can take a long look in the mirror—because it’s his own contributions that played a key role. Sure, it was a tight competition, but what might have given Retzlaff the edge were the invaluable lessons he picked up from Bohanon. In football, it’s often the little things that separate the winners from the rest, and Bohanon’s willingness to share his expertise might have been the game-changer.
Retzlaff couldn't help but notice Bohanon’s footwork right off the bat. "His footwork opened my eyes to the way footwork is supposed to be," Retzlaff mentioned on the “Y’s Guys” podcast over the summer. "He is as smooth as he is fast. He simplifies it for himself. In the past, I’ve tried to do too much in the pocket. That’s something I picked up. He stays in his base really well. He doesn’t overextend."
Those words aren’t just compliments—they’re insights from a young quarterback who’s been soaking up knowledge from a seasoned vet. Bohanon’s resume is nothing to scoff at, with 3,469 passing yards, 1,005 rushing yards, and 41 touchdowns split between Baylor and South Florida. That’s experience Retzlaff could lean on, and he’s making the most of it.
But it’s not just about mechanics. Retzlaff also sees Bohanon as a leader, someone who’s been around the block a few times—okay, maybe a dozen. "He is incredible to have in the room. He’s awesome. The dude is on his 13th year of college football," Retzlaff said with a laugh. "It’s cool to have a guy in the room who has done it before. A guy who has been in the pocket when stuff doesn’t go good, and when it does."
Bohanon isn’t new to high-pressure games. He led Baylor to the 2021 Big 12 championship and even took down Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl, not to mention beating BYU along the way. But before the 2022 season, he lost his starting job at Baylor and transferred to South Florida, where a shoulder injury sidelined him for all of 2023. For Retzlaff, who ended last season with an 0-4 record, including a tough 100-yard pick-six against No. 14 Oklahoma, Bohanon’s presence has been like having a mentor who’s part player, part psychologist.
BYU, known for its storied quarterback tradition, doesn’t actually have a QB coach who played the position. That makes Bohanon’s role even more critical. “I love having him in the room,” Retzlaff shared earlier this summer. “We will be able to feed off each other so much. We can back each other up with so many thoughts and feelings about what’s going on.” It’s not just about X’s and O’s—it's about having someone beside you who’s been there, felt the heat, and still wants to help you shine.
Bohanon’s journey to BYU was no guaranteed ticket to the starting job. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound quarterback from Earle, Arkansas, came with just one year of eligibility and a lot to prove. He wanted to win, but he also wanted to make his teammates better—even if it meant Retzlaff taking the lead. For Bohanon, football isn’t over. He knows the unpredictable nature of the game could still give him his shot, perhaps even tonight as Retzlaff’s backup. He’s ready, no matter what.
Retzlaff’s journey to this point hasn’t been a smooth ride either. As a starter, he threw for 648 yards and three touchdowns at BYU last year, but it was his previous season at Riverside City College where he truly shined, putting up a staggering 4,596 yards and 44 touchdowns. Unlike many newcomers who get to warm up against lesser competition, Retzlaff was thrown straight into the deep end, facing four bowl-bound Big 12 teams—West Virginia, Iowa State, No. 14 Oklahoma, and No. 21 Oklahoma State. It was a trial by fire, and tonight’s game against Southern Illinois at LaVell Edwards Stadium is his shot at redemption.
Nearly 10 months after that tough stretch, Retzlaff is more than ready for a fresh start. And with Bohanon in his corner, offering insights and support, he’s set to take flight. As Retzlaff puts it, “It’s interesting to have the perspective of another quarterback who has been in it—and is sitting right next to you. He’s seen a lot of ball. He’s an old guy. I make that joke with him plenty enough, but he’s cool with it.”
Football is full of twists and turns, and tonight’s game is just the beginning of what could be a very intriguing season for the Cougars. Whether Bohanon eventually gets his shot or continues to bolster Retzlaff from the sidelines, one thing’s for sure—this quarterback duo is primed to keep things exciting for BYU fans. Keep an eye on Retzlaff as he steps into the spotlight with Bohanon’s lessons in his back pocket. It’s not just about the plays they’ll make on the field, but the dynamic they’ve built off of it that could make all the difference this season.
Key Highlights:
- Jake Retzlaff starts at QB tonight for BYU against Southern Illinois.
- Gerry Bohanon’s experience and leadership played a key role in Retzlaff’s development.
- Retzlaff draws inspiration from Bohanon’s smooth footwork and veteran presence.
- Bohanon’s past accomplishments include leading Baylor to a Big 12 championship and a Sugar Bowl victory.
- Retzlaff seeks redemption after last year’s tough finish and is ready for takeoff with Bohanon as his backup.
Strap in, Cougar fans—this season is shaping up to be quite a ride!
Login