WHERE’S RYDER?: VIRAL RUMOR DEBUNKED AS BYU’S 5-STAR QB COMMIT WAS NEVER EXPECTED AT CAMP
The BYU football program is riding a wave of national momentum heading into the 2025 season, but that didn’t stop social media from spiraling into chaos this week after a sensational headline falsely claimed BYU’s 5-star quarterback signee had “never arrived” at fall camp.
The article, widely circulated under the title “Confusion at Camp: BYU Cougars 5-Star Signee Never Arrived – Coaches Say ‘We’re Still Trying to Reach Him’”, sparked a frenzy online. But BYU officials, recruiting analysts, and verified reports have now confirmed: there is no missing player, and the story is completely misleading.
🧑🎓 Who Is Ryder Lyons?
The player at the center of the story is Ryder Lyons, the highly touted 5-star quarterback out of Southern California who committed to BYU on June 24, 2025. Lyons, ranked among the top 15 recruits nationally and considered one of the most gifted quarterbacks of the decade, chose the Cougars over powerhouse programs like Oregon, Michigan, and USC.
His commitment made history as BYU’s first 5-star signee in over 20 years, instantly raising the national profile of the Cougars’ recruiting program.
Not Missing — Just Not Due Yet
Despite the headline’s claim, Lyons was never scheduled to report to fall camp this year. He is currently finishing high school and plans to begin a two-year Latter-day Saint mission in January 2026. BYU’s coaching staff was fully aware of this timeline when he committed.
> “There was never an expectation that Ryder would be on campus this fall,” said one team source. “He’s following the plan he and his family discussed with Coach Sitake months ago.”
The Coaches Are Not “Trying to Reach Him”
Contrary to the viral report’s suggestion, there’s no confusion inside BYU’s football offices. According to multiple reports from Deseret News, 247Sports, and Sports Illustrated, Lyons has been in regular contact with the coaching staff and continues to participate in virtual meetings and team updates when appropriate.
The viral story appears to have confused the public timeline for early enrollees, prompting an unnecessary alarm.
> “It’s frustrating, but not surprising,” said a local BYU fan on X (formerly Twitter). “People see ‘5-star’ and ‘missing’ in the same headline and forget to check facts.”
📈 What’s Next for Lyons?
Ryder Lyons is expected to graduate high school in December and depart for his mission shortly afterward. That means he won’t be suiting up in Provo until the 2028 season, but his commitment is already reshaping how top talent views BYU’s program.
Recruiting experts say his pledge has opened doors for other elite prospects to consider BYU a serious Power Five destination.
🧠 Final Take
There is no confusion at BYU’s camp, and Ryder Lyons is not missing. The real story is even better: the Cougars are planning ahead, securing long-term talent, and staying disciplined as they prepare for a breakout year in the Big 12.
In the age of viral misinformation, the only thing “missing” is the truth.
