FIRST OF MANY: Lyons is the First 5-Star Commitment Since 2003 for Cougars
In a historic and momentum-shifting development for BYU football, five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons has officially committed to the Cougars — becoming the program’s first five-star recruit since 2003. The announcement not only electrifies Cougar Nation but also sends a strong message across the college football landscape: BYU is ready to compete at the highest level.
Lyons, ranked among the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, made his decision public earlier this week, turning down offers from traditional powerhouses such as Alabama, Oregon, and USC. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Lyons is praised for his elite arm strength, high football IQ, and poise under pressure — traits that have drawn comparisons to some of the best signal-callers in recent memory.
For BYU, this commitment represents more than just a talented player joining the roster. It symbolizes a new era in Provo — one defined by aggressive recruiting, a focus on player development, and a belief that the program can attract national-caliber talent even without the same resources as some of college football’s bluebloods.
“We’ve believed for a long time that BYU can be a destination for the nation’s best players,” head coach Kalani Sitake said. “Ryder is proof of that. He’s not just a great player; he’s a great leader, and someone who believes in the vision we’re building here.”
Lyons’ decision to join BYU is significant in several ways. The last time a five-star recruit chose BYU was in 2003, when defensive lineman Haloti Ngata briefly committed before ultimately flipping to Oregon. Since then, BYU has consistently produced NFL-level talent, but rarely from the top echelon of high school prospects.
Now, with Lyons leading the charge, the Cougars are poised to break through recruiting barriers that have limited the program’s national perception. Analysts believe his presence alone could spark a domino effect, encouraging other top prospects to take a second look at BYU — particularly as the Cougars continue to establish themselves in the Big 12.
“Lyons is the type of quarterback who can elevate not just your offense, but your entire program,” said national recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman. “This is the kind of commitment that resonates with other recruits. Kids want to play with the best.”
Indeed, early indicators suggest Lyons’ commitment is already having an impact. Four-star wide receiver Kamani Wilder, a top target for several SEC programs, posted a cryptic message on social media following Lyons’ announcement: “Thinking about Provo…”
For a fan base that has long dreamed of returning to national prominence, the commitment of Ryder Lyons is more than just a recruiting win — it’s a statement. A statement that BYU is no longer content being overlooked. A statement that a new generation of athletes is ready to build something special in the Wasatch Mountains.
And for Lyons, this is just the beginning.
“BYU felt like home,” he said. “I want to be part of something great — something lasting. This is just the first step. Let’s go make history.”
