Scouting Take: Five-Star QB Ryder Lyons’ BYU Commitment Gives the Cougars a Monumental Pickup
In a seismic recruiting victory, the BYU Cougars have landed a commitment from five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, a game-changing prospect who could redefine the future of BYU football. Lyons, ranked among the nation’s elite signal-callers in the 2025 class, announced his decision amid heavy competition from traditional powerhouses such as Alabama, USC, and Texas. His commitment signals not just a major win for head coach Kalani Sitake and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, but a turning point in BYU’s trajectory as a program now fully entrenched in Big 12 competition.
Lyons is the type of quarterback rarely seen in Provo—a polished, dual-threat playmaker with size, poise, and pedigree. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 210 pounds, he possesses a prototypical frame that scouts project will translate well to the college level and beyond. His arm strength is NFL-caliber, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to process defenses, deliver throws on the run, and remain calm under pressure. Lyons has often been compared to current NFL quarterbacks such as Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud for his mix of athleticism and intellect.
During his junior season at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, Lyons threw for over 3,500 yards with 38 touchdowns against just five interceptions, while rushing for another 700 yards and 10 scores. His playbook mastery, leadership, and clutch play in big moments—especially in playoff situations—cemented his reputation as one of the most complete quarterbacks in the country.
For BYU, a program with a storied quarterback lineage that includes names like Steve Young, Ty Detmer, and Zach Wilson, the arrival of Lyons represents a return to that elite quarterback standard. The timing is critical. As the Cougars transition into the highly competitive Big 12, securing blue-chip talent is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival and success. Lyons’ commitment could serve as a recruiting domino, opening doors to other top-tier offensive talent who want to play alongside a premier quarterback.
The significance of Lyons’ commitment also extends off the field. He’s a vocal leader, mature beyond his years, and someone teammates naturally gravitate toward. He has already begun building relationships with future teammates and recruits, signaling his intent not just to play at BYU, but to help build something special there.
Credit goes to the BYU coaching staff for their persistence and vision. Coach Sitake and his team sold Lyons on more than just scheme—they presented a family-oriented culture, a chance to be the face of a rising program, and an opportunity to create a legacy in a passionate football environment.
While the road ahead remains long and full of pressure, Ryder Lyons’ commitment is the kind of recruiting coup that changes the perception of a program overnight. For BYU, it’s a thunderous message to the rest of the Big 12: the Cougars are no longer just happy to be here—they’re here to compete, and they just landed their quarterback of the future.
