Through the ups and downs, BYU fandom never fails to keep things fresh and unpredictable. From quarterbacks entering to quarterbacks exiting. From basketball program wins to anticipation for new beginnings, a ceaseless tide of changes morphs the status quo from day to day.
So what happened this last week?
Jake Retzlaff suspended 7 games, enters the transfer portal
Starting with the heavy-hitter, the Cougars' starting quarterback is out the door after admitting to a premarital sexual encounter and receiving a university-enforced suspension.
Per our story, "Though still denying any accusations of sexual assault -- a civil suit accusing him of such being the impetus of this off-season saga -- Retzlaff admitted the story wasn't entirely baseless. He admitted to a premarital sexual encounter, and the university punished him appropriately. [...] BYU football will miss Retzlaff, whose impact on last season's team both as a leader and an athlete led Kalani Sitake's roster to its best year since the Covid-asterisked 2020 campaign. Now out the door at BYU, he leaves a flood of questions in his wake."
Read the full story here: Jake Retzlaff is already set to transfer, and his new school may be a giant
5-star QB Ryder Lyons commits to the Cougars
The highest-rated quarterback to ever commit for the Cougars, Lyons is a 5-star player who plans to serve a one-year mission prior to suiting up in Provo.
The final decision came down to Oregon and BYU, but after plenty of prayer and consideration, Lyons took to ESPN's Pat McAfee show to declare for the Cougs in front of a national audience (much like AJ Dybantsa last year).
Per our story: "'For the next three to four years, I'll be going to Brigham Young University,' Lyons announced through a grin. 'They believed in me early, and it's just crazy how it all comes full circle, you know?'
"Coach Sitake and his staff sent an offer to Lyons as early as his eighth grade year, when the arm talent and potential of the eventual 5-star was apparent from the jump. That faith in his development did not pass by the newest commit to BYU football unnoticed, as he felt it necessary to mention during his spot with McAfee."
Read the full story here: BYU football secures the commitment of 5 star QB Ryder Lyons
Egor Demin is NBA bound as a top 10 pick
Egor Demin was a surprisingly hot commodity among NBA teams come draft day, as the Brooklyn Nets celebrated while selecting the 6-foot-9 guard eighth overall.
Read our breaking story here: BYU's Egor Demin goes 8th overall to the Brooklyn Nets
A huge win for Demin, as his contract and situation should spark tremendous potential as a pro, but according to other reports, the Nets weren't the only ones high on Demin's upside.
"Though Demin was frequently projected to slide out of the lottery, Brooklyn jumped at the chance to secure his rights on draft night. Oklahoma City's apparent interest is a fascinating wrinkle in the story, suggesting there may have been much more going on behind the scenes with teams taking shots at the Russian."
More on this story: Report: NBA Champ OKC Thunder attempted to draft BYU guard Egor Demin