On Juneβ―24, 2025, the BYU Cougars scored their most electrifying recruiting victory yet. Five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, hailed as the No.β―4 QB nationally and No.β―13 overall in the 2026 class, stunned the college football world by pledging to BYUβoutrunning offers from Oregon, USC, Oleβ―Miss, Ohioβ―State, Michigan, and over 40 other Powerβ―5 giants .
The 6β²2Β½β³ dual-threat standout from Folsom, California, unleashed 3,011 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 2024, while adding 585! rushing yards and 14 TDs, earning California Gatorade Player of the Year honors . But what really sealed the deal? On The Pat McAfee Show, Lyons revealed the heart of his decision: BYU was the first to believe in himβback in eighth gradeβmaking this moment a full-circle personal journey .
βHe believed in me earlyβ¦ it all comes full circle,β Lyons shared, reflecting on BYU as the first program to offer him a scholarship . He made clear that while NIL offers were substantialβeven topping athletesβ valuations near $785Kβmoney wasnβt the driving force. His real priority remains reaching the NFL .
This commitment is one for the Cougar history books. Lyons becomes BYU’s first five-star recruit in the 247Sports era and their highest-rated commitment since 2003 . His pledge shot BYUβs 2026 class ranking from around No.β―46 to near the top 40, marking the schoolβs strongest recruiting haul in years .
And while he’s slated to serve a one-year LDS mission after his senior season, Lyons is expected to arrive on campus in 2027βserving as a future leader of BYUβs offense . At that point, the Cougars may field their most talented QB in decadesβsomeone with a cannon arm, elite escapability, and a frame built for making defenders miss .
For BYU and HC Kalani Sitake, this is more than just a recruitβitβs proof of cultural transformation. In an era dominated by NIL and West Coast talent wars, BYU held its ground, demonstrating that early belief, deep relationships, and program identity can still win top-tier players .
Why this matters:
π₯ Program Elevation: Landing a five-star QB over traditional powerhouses signals BYU is a new recruiting force.
ποΈ Cultural Impact: Relationships and faith-centric mission continue to attract elite talent in a transactional landscape.
β‘ Future Upside: With his skill set and leadership, Lyons could instantly raise BYUβs offensive ceiling in 2027.
This isn’t just a recruitβit’s a statement: BYU is back, and with Ryder Lyons at the helm, the Cougars could be nearing a new era of offensive excellence.
