Five-star quarterback recruit Ryder Lyons, a 6’2.5″, 215-pound dual-threat from Folsom, California, is currently weighing his options among several top football programs, including the Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, BYU Cougars, Michigan Wolverines, Ole Miss Rebels, and Ohio State Buckeyes. His recruitment has been a topic of considerable interest, especially regarding his perspectives on Oregon, USC, and BYU.
Oregon Ducks
Lyons has expressed a strong connection with the Oregon Ducks, highlighting his relationship with offensive coordinator Will Stein and head coach Dan Lanning. He noted, “Me and coach Stein have a great relationship, probably the best out of any other coaches. They’ve been recruiting me the hardest probably, the whole time.” Lyons also praised Oregon’s team culture, stating, “Their culture is probably one of the best I’ve ever seen. How they play as a team, how they interact with each other.”
USC Trojans
The USC Trojans are also a significant contender in Lyons’ recruitment, particularly due to family ties. Lyons’ brother, Walker Lyons, is a freshman tight end at USC, which adds a personal dimension to his consideration. He acknowledged coach Lincoln Riley’s impressive track record with quarterbacks, mentioning, “Coach Riley, three first picks in the NFL Draft, three Heismans, it’s very familiar.” Lyons added, “My brother goes there; they’ve been recruiting me for a while, so I don’t think there’s any QB coach in the country, to be honest. Coach Riley knows what he’s doing.”
BYU Cougars
BYU holds a special place in Lyons’ heart, given his family’s affiliation with the institution and its significance to his faith. He shared, “Also very familiar, my family went there, my sister’s went there, obviously a big part of my faith.” Lyons spoke highly of the coaching staff, noting his positive interactions with offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick and head coach Kalani Sitake, describing them as “amazing people to talk to, great relationships with them.” He also acknowledged BYU’s recent success, stating, “BYU had a huge year, 11 wins.”
Recruitment Status
As of March 2025, Lyons remains uncommitted and is actively evaluating his options. He plans to visit several schools in the coming weeks, including Ole Miss, Michigan, Ohio State, BYU, Oregon, and USC. These visits are crucial as he seeks to make an informed decision about his collegiate future.
Lyons’ recruitment is a dynamic process, influenced by personal connections, coaching staff, team culture, and recent program successes. As he continues to explore his options, the Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, and BYU Cougars remain prominent in his considerations, each offering unique opportunities that align with his aspirations and personal values.
For more insights into Ryder Lyons’ thoughts on these programs, you can watch his interview below:
