Ryder Lyons Leads Early Buzz Around BYU’s 2026 Recruiting Class
The early commitment of four-star quarterback Ryder Lyons has become the centerpiece of BYU’s surging 2026 recruiting class. Lyons, one of the top-rated signal callers in the West, gave his verbal commitment to the Cougars earlier this year—and his decision is already generating positive momentum across BYU’s recruiting landscape.
Hailing from Southern California, Lyons brings size, mobility, and a strong arm to the quarterback position. His leadership and on-field awareness have drawn comparisons to some of the most successful quarterbacks in BYU’s storied history. While there’s still a long way to go before he suits up in Provo, Lyons has embraced the challenge of being the class’s cornerstone.
Since announcing his commitment, Lyons has become an active recruiter in his own right. He’s already connected with several key offensive and defensive targets in the 2026 class, promoting BYU’s vision and culture to his peers. This peer-to-peer recruiting has helped build chemistry among the early commits and could prove pivotal in bringing more talent into the fold.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick have praised Lyons’ potential and maturity, noting that his early decision allows the staff to begin shaping their offensive future around his skill set. Roderick, in particular, has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, something that likely factored into Lyons’ decision.
The commitment also sends a clear message: BYU can attract high-caliber players—even with fierce competition from larger Power Five programs. With Lyons locked in and leading the charge, the Cougars are positioned to make a major statement with their 2026 class.
Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how the class continues to take shape, but for now, Lyons has given Cougar Nation a big reason to be excited about the future.
