On June 24, 2025, the BYU Cougars scored their most electrifying recruiting victory yet. Five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, hailed as the No. 4 QB nationally and No. 13 overall in the 2026 class, stunned the college football world by pledging to BYU—outrunning offers from Oregon, USC, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Michigan, and over 40 other Power 5 giants .
The 6′2½″ 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 him—back in eighth grade—making this moment a full-circle personal journey .
“He believed in me early… it all comes full circle,” Lyons shared, reflecting on BYU as the first program to offer him a scholarship . He made clear that while NIL offers were substantial—even topping athletes’ valuations near $785K—money wasn’t 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 BYU’s 2026 class ranking from around No. 46 to near the top 40, marking the school’s 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 2027—serving as a future leader of BYU’s offense . At that point, the Cougars may field their most talented QB in decades—someone 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 recruit—it’s 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:
🔥 Program Elevation: Landing a five-star QB over traditional powerhouses signals BYU is a new recruiting force.
🕊️ Cultural Impact: Relationships and faith-centric mission continue to attract elite talent in a transactional landscape.
⚡ Future Upside: With his skill set and leadership, Lyons could instantly raise BYU’s offensive ceiling in 2027.
This isn’t just a recruit—it’s a statement: BYU is back, and with Ryder Lyons at the helm, the Cougars could be nearing a new era of offensive excellence.
