Transfer portal rumors: Do we already know where Jake Retzlaff will transfer to?

Jake Retzlaff is no longer with the BYU football program, with his eyes set on a new collegiate home for his senior year of eligibility. This is the last dance: the final chapter in Retzlaff's amateur football career -- if college sports can even be considered amateur anymore, that is.

Regardless, recent reports have drawn national attention, as some predict Jake Retzlaff's next school is a big-time football program on a national scale. Per Jay Drew:

"[Retzlaff] is expected to announce early this week that he will play for another school, a school one source noted that is 'in desperate need of an experienced college quarterback.'"

Given the criteria that Retzlaff is expected to transfer to a school that (A) boasts strong name value, and (B) needs an experienced college quarterback, let's play a game of hot and cold measuring Retzlaff's likelihood to join specific programs on their need and name along the transfer thermometer.

Cold: Utah Utes

A name I've heard thrown around since the news broke, but one that I don't believe is even on Retzlaff's short list.

Utah doesn't necessarily fall under the distinction of college football royalty, and that's no rivalry-charged slight at the Utes. Just as BYU often finds themselves on the outside looking in, their beehive brothers in SLC likewise wound up in the Big 12 Conference during this recent cycle of realignment.

But the biggest reason to bet against the Utes is their quarterback situation. Though New Mexico transfer Devon Dampier is far from a sure-thing success in a power league -- holding a 1:1 TD/INT ratio last season -- the Utes are very high on his potential in their program. Claiming Retzlaff would be a sign of low-confidence in their new QB. It's not happening.

Warmer: UCLA Bruins

Closer to home as Retzlaff is a Golden State native, could Los Angeles be calling?

Though they haven't hardly any success in recent memory on the gridiron, UCLA remains one of the more fascinating options up for debate.

Sure, they just brought on disgruntled Tennessee defector, Nico Iamaleava, but just as he didn't mesh well with his previous squad down the stretch of the season, could his presence be less of a natural transition than initially expected? Could his "wicked dreams of leaving Tennessee for Santa Monica" have shifted the entire narrative beyond recognition?

Likely not, but I believe this is a more likely candidate than the Utes.

Hot: Notre Dame

The Irish have been a hot name in this saga, as they fit every bit of the listed criteria. Another religious school like BYU, though one with far less strict standards placed upon its student body, this Jewish quarterback may have found his home among the Christians.

Inexperienced at quarterback? You bet, as their current depth chart has the QB position three-deep with underclassmen.

A big name? Few football programs have been as historically great as Notre Dame in the history of the sport. From the iconic golden helmets to the "Touchdown Jesus", this is a team capable of reaching the highest stages of the sport.

If the Fighting Irish come calling, Retzlaff would be a fool to say no.

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