In a significant development for BYU football, five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons has committed to the Cougars, choosing them over powerhouse programs USC and Oregon. Lyons, a standout from Folsom High School in California, is ranked as the No. 6 overall prospect and the No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 class citeturn0search11.
Lyons’ decision is influenced by his deep-rooted ties to BYU. His father, Tim Lyons, played defensive back for the Cougars, and his older brother, Walker Lyons, is currently a tight end at USC citeturn0search14. Despite family connections to USC, Lyons chose BYU, citing the program’s culture and his relationship with head coach Kalani Sitake as pivotal factors.
“Coach Sitake has built something special at BYU,” Lyons said. “The culture, the people, and the opportunity to grow both on and off the field made it the right choice for me.”
Lyons’ commitment is a testament to BYU’s growing reputation in quarterback development. The program has produced notable quarterbacks like Zach Wilson and Jaren Hall in recent years. Lyons’ dual-threat capabilities and leadership qualities align well with BYU’s offensive system.
Before making his decision, Lyons took official visits to several top programs, including Oregon, USC, Michigan, and Ohio State citeturn0search13. However, BYU’s consistent communication and emphasis on personal development resonated with him.
“BYU showed genuine interest in me as a person, not just as a player,” Lyons noted. “That made a significant impact on my decision.”
Lyons plans to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after high school, delaying his enrollment at BYU until 2027 citeturn0search0. This aligns with the program’s understanding and support of players’ commitments beyond football.
His commitment is expected to bolster BYU’s 2026 recruiting class, potentially attracting other top-tier talent. Lyons has expressed interest in actively recruiting fellow prospects to join him in Provo.
“I want to build something special at BYU,” Lyons said. “I’m reaching out to other recruits to join me in creating a championship-caliber team.”
Lyons’ decision marks a significant win for BYU, showcasing the program’s ability to compete with traditional football powerhouses for elite talent. His commitment is anticipated to have a lasting impact on the program’s trajectory in the coming years.