1.
Ryder Lyons: The Crown Jewel 🏈
- Five-star status & accolades: Lyons is currently rated a five-star quarterback in the 2026 class and ranks among the top signal-callers nationally—No. 5 on 247Sports composite rankings. Some analysts even consider him the top QB in the country .
- Elite traits: At 6′2″, 220 lbs, Lyons is a dual-threat with excellent passing accuracy and scramble capability. 247Sports analyst Greg Biggins praises his “rare combination of arm talent and movement ability […] accurate to all three levels of the field” .
- Strong ties to BYU: His father, Tim Lyons, played defense for BYU in the ’90s. Ryder himself is LDS and plans a mission trip, making him a natural cultural fit. He’s already trimmed his visits down to BYU and Oregon, canceling USC .
- Decision date: He’s scheduled to announce his commitment on June 24, just before heading to the Philippines on June 26 .
2.
Weekend Layout & Supporting Recruits
- A packed Provo slate: More than a dozen 2026 recruits made the rounds from Thursday through Sunday. Of the 16 official visitors, ten entered uncommitted .
- Notable uncommitted prospects include:
- Kaue Akana (Athlete/Safety) – a close teammate of Lyons, with high-profile offers and visits to Utah and UCLA .
- Jaxson Gates (CB) – currently committed to Syracuse but drew attention with a fast 100m (10.39s) sprint .
- Lopeti Moala (DL) – a local presence with multiple visits around the region .
- Prince Williams (DE) – ranked among his school’s final five; took official visits to BYU, Utah, and Arizona .
- Committed talent representing BYU:
- TE Brock Harris, OL Bott Mulitalo, WR Legend Glasker, DE PJ Takitaki, TE Ty Goettsche, WR Graham Livingston, LB Adam Bywater, among others .
3.
Strategic Stakes for BYU
- Program-changing potential: A Lyons commitment would mark BYU’s first five-star QB commit since 2002 and only the third five-star commit in program history .
- Building class depth: With 12 current commitments and a ranking around 48th nationally, capturing more high-end talent, especially a QB like Lyons, could elevate the 2026 class considerably .
- Cultural and financial alignment: BYU’s pitch emphasizes fit with its culture and long-term development. While they may be offering competitive NIL deals, they avoid bidding wars—aligned with Lyons’s rejection of a pure “money chase” .
4.
Oregon’s Challenge & Decision Dynamics
- Head-to-head battle: Oregon remains Lyons’s top competitor. Reports suggest they may include injury clauses guaranteeing future earnings, a key factor in Lyons’ decision-making .
- Final stretch: As Lyons heads to his mission trip on June 26, BYU has until June 24 to seal the deal. The staff, including Coach Sitake and AD Santiago, have been heavily involved and are said to be making a strong impression .
5.
Looking Ahead
- Group influence: A Lyons commitment could catalyze other recruits, especially those in his circle like Kaue Akana, and deepen BYU’s momentum.
- Final analysis: This visit is more than just a weekend event—it’s a defining moment in BYU’s Big 12 era. Whether they land Lyons or not, how they perform could have ripple effects across recruiting and the program’s national profile.
Conclusion
BYU’s latest recruiting weekend is more than just a showcase—it’s a high-stakes, all-in effort centered on securing a transformative QB in Ryder Lyons. The blend of athletic promise, cultural resonance, and competitive pitching is as strategic as it gets. Come June 24, BYU fans will see if the foundational gamble paid off.
Let me know if you’d like player-by-player breakdowns or insight into how BYU’s recruiting approach compares to their Big 12 peers!
