“There’s no other way to describe it other than I’m in the place I’m supposed to be right now,” Retzlaff said when asked about his path to BYU on BYU Football with Kalani Sitake in September. “It’s been a roller coaster ride, as you’ve seen. However, I am grateful for every part of it, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

In BYU’s Week 4 Big 12 win over No. 25 Kansas State, Retzlaff completed 15 of 21 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Through the first four weeks of the season, Retzlaff ranked fifth in the Big 12 in touchdowns (nine), sixth in passing yards (990) and 11th in completion percentage (62.7%).

Is Jake Retzlaff Mormon? Explanation of QB’s Jewish faith

No. Jake Retzlaff is not a Mormon, but a Jew.

When Retzlaff took over for Slovis in Week 9 against West Virginia last year, Retzlaff became the first Jewish starting quarterback in BYU’s program history — one who is part of an institution founded and governed by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Last-Day Saints.

“Me and my two brothers were really the only two Jewish athletes (in my town) growing up. I love being able to be a lighthouse and just inspire someone. If it is one, then it is enough,” Retzlaff said in a recent interview with CBS Sports. “Everything is so faith-based. You might think that everyone does their own thing, but the opposite is true. Everyone on campus is so open to all beliefs.”