FRISCO, Texas — In a conference with nine returning quarterbacks with more than 2,400 passing yards last season, BYU's QB room is in a state of uncertainty.
Jake Retzlaff, who has yet to announce if he will be suiting up for the Cougars this fall or will be transferring to another college football program, is expected to announce his transfer destination any day now. Reports indicate there is significant Power 4 interest in Retzlaff and motivation for him to get a fresh start with a new program, but no official announcement has been made.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake was asked about Retzlaff's situation several times during Big 12 Media Days.
"We love Jake Retzlaff, we appreciate all that he's done for our program," he said. "I think it would be inappropriate for me to make a statement ... I want to give him the opportunity to do that."
That most likely leaves BYU's QB room in the hands of three players who have yet to start a game at the Power 4 level: McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet and Bear Bachmeier. All three have an argument for why they should be the starter of the position group.
So, what does Sitake and the players have to say about the QB battle?
"All of those quarterbacks have something in common: they can all throw the ball," said Sitake. "That's the one prerequisite that we have, is that you have to be able to throw the ball."
The players seem equally confident in what each of the quarterbacks brings to the table. Chase Roberts, the expected WR1 for Aaron Roderick's offense and a player with NFL draft aspirations and interest, is excited about what he has seen thus far.
Chase Roberts’ confidence level for McCae Hillstead, Bear Bachmeier, and Treyson Bourguet now that Jake Retzlaff will reportedly transfer away from BYU: pic.twitter.com/4Juj86PfXY
— Sam Foster (@Samfos1er) July 8, 2025
"I've always been confident in McCae and Treyson, and then Bear coming in — the dude's a stud," said Roberts. "We've just been working. They're workhorses, so they want to get out and throw, stay after, and just get that timing down."
This is hardly the first time BYU has experienced a quarterback battle. Just last season, Retzlaff and Gerry Bohanon competed for the starting job until Retzlaff was announced as the starter on August 31 — the day of their first game.
Sitake seems confident in the group that he has assembled on offense. Roberts and running back LJ Martin, who represented the BYU offense at Big 12 Media Days, are only a few of the leaders Sitake sees on the roster.
"We have five young men that are out here representing the team," he said. "The difficult part is that I think I could have chosen from about 30 leaders that I think would do a great job speaking here for our program in [Big 12] Media Days."
Sitake also expressed gratitude for the continuity of his staff and trusts their ability to get each of the quarterbacks ready for BYU's third year in the Big 12.
"Luckily, we have an offensive staff that's been put together and an offensive coordinator and play-caller that's been there for a long time," he said. "We've been through quarterback battles before, so this isn't like a brand new thing."
As far as BYU is concerned, the position battle at quarterback is wide open.
"Whoever is gonna step up in the situation when the season comes around, they're gonna be ready to go," said Roberts.